LONDON, Sept 10, 2008 (AFP) – France’s Geoffroy Lequarte took the overall lead in the Tour of Britain on Wednesday after his compatriot and Agritubel team-mate Emilen Berges suffered a late puncture on the fourth stage.

Edvald Boasson Hagen of Norway was first across the line in Stoke, central England, having regained the lead from Giairo Ermeti in the closing yards of an uphill finish.

England’s Steve Cummings, riding for Barloworld, was second in the general classification.

“It was a close race – I knew the finish was uphill so I just pushed as hard as I could,” said Boasson Hagen.

“I was lucky after running wide on the final turn but I managed to hold on and get across the line in front.”