Paris-Nice 2011: Thomas Voeckler wins stage four after breakaway

Thomas Voeckler has won stage four of Paris-Nice after four-man breakaway denies chasing bunch, while Thomas de Gendt regained the overall lead of the eight-day stage race.

Voeckler, the French national road race champion, won the 191-kiklometre fourth stage from Crêches-sur-Saône to Belleville after the Europcar rider jumped Thomas de Gendt in the final metres to claim his first stage in the race.

"I have competed in the Paris-Nice since 2003 and I had yet to win a stage, this really is a huge relief," said Voeckler.