The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes stage 4 is underway, with a focus on the battle between the breakaway and the teams with versatile sprinters. The stage features a hilly course with a flat finale, offering an opportunity for the sprinters to shine. The race has seen a delayed start due to a crash, with Baptiste Veistroffer (Lotto Intermarché) hitting the deck in the neutral zone section. The riders are now on their way to the first categorised climb of the day, the Col de la Croix de l'Arbre, which is 4km at 4.1%. The stage is 167.5km long, with six categorised climbs in the first 110km, followed by a downhill and flat section to the finish line. The race has seen a recent focus on the GC co-leader Kévin Vauquelin's frustration with the Netcompany Ineos team's strategy, particularly after they waited for Oscar Onley when he dropped his chain in the TTT. The crowd support has been significant, with a large turnout in Le Puy en Velay. The race is expected to see a battle between the breakaway and the teams with versatile sprinters, with the likes of Dorian Godon (Netcompany Ineos), Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla), and Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) in the running. The stage 4 is a crucial part of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, with the sprinters hoping to make a mark and the teams strategizing to gain an advantage. The race is a testament to the versatility of the riders and the teams, with the potential for a thrilling finish.
