ROME, March 14, 2009 (AFP) – Spaniard Joachim Rodriguez of Caisse d’Epargne claimed the fourth stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico over 171km from Foligno to Montelupone on Saturday to take the overall race lead.

The 30-year-old proved strongest in a hill finish that had gradients of 20 percent at some points.

He finished six seconds ahead of Italy’s Davide Rebellin of Diquigiovanni with Sweden’s Thomas Lovkvist of Columbia third a further four seconds back.

The result leaves Rodriguez six seconds clear of France’s Julien El Fares (Cofidis), the first stage winner, in the overall standings.