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VITORIA-GASTEIZ, Spain, April 10, 2008 (AFP) - Luxembourg’s Kim Kirchen won
Thursday’s fourth stage of the Tour of the Basque Country in a sprint finish,
while Spain’s Alberto Contador retained the overall lead. It was Kirchen’s second stage victory in this year’s event, and left him in
fifth place in the overall standings.

Contador came in 20th with the same time as the stage winner to retain his
overall lead, three seconds ahead of compatriot Ezequiel Mosquera.

High Road team member Kirchen covered the 171 kilometres between Viana and
Vitoria-Gasteiz in four hours, 17 minutes and 33 seconds to edge his teammate
Morris Possoni of Italy at the line.

Third was Spain’s David Herrero, Wednesday’s stage winner, fourth Michael
Albasini of Switzerland and fifth Australia’s Matthew Lloyd.

On Friday, the riders leave Vitoria-Gasteiz for Orio, 162 kilometers away.

Tour of Basque Country results

Results in the 171km fourth stage of the Tour of the Basque Country from Viana to Vitoria-Gasteiz on Thursday:

4th stage
1. Kim Kirchen (LUX) High Road 4hr 17min 33sec,
2. Morris Possoni (ITA) s.t.,
3. David Herrero (ESP) s.t.,
4. Michael Albasini (SUI) s.t.,
5. Matthew Lloyd (AUS) s.t.,
6. Fabian Wegmann (GER) s.t.,
7. Amets Txurruka (ESP) s.t.,
8. Xavier Florencio (ESP) s.t.,
9. Stefan Schumacher (GER) s.t.,
10. Peter Velits (SVK) s.t.

Overall
1. Alberto Contador (ESP) Astana 16hr 32:01,
2. Ezequiel Mosquera (ESP) at 3s,
3. David Herrero (ESP) 08,
4. Damiano Cunego (ITA) s.t.,
5. Kim Kirchen (LUX) s.t.,
6. Peter Velits (SVK) s.t.,
7. Cadel Evans (AUS) s.t.,
8. Mikel Astarloza (ESP) s.t.,
9. Patxi Vila (ESP) s.t.,
10. Maxime Monfort (FRA) s.t.