Demare wins fourth stage of Tour de France

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Europe

By CGTN's Yan Yangchen

The fourth stage of the Tour de France was the first of this year's edition to take place completely in the host country, after stops in Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

The winner of the previous leg, Peter Sagan, would get too aggressive in his efforts to go back-to-back.

When the Slovak's actions adversely impact perennial contender Mark Cavendish, the officials are left with no choice but to make a decision that shakes up the standings.

FDJ rider Arnaud Demare wins the fourth stage of Tour de France on July 4, 2017. /VCG Photo

Geraint Thomas and defending champion Chris Froome were involved a crash one kilometer from the line, but managed to get back on their bikes and finish.

The same can't be said for Mark Cavendish as Sagan elbowed him into the barrier.

Cyclists in action at stage 4 from Mondorf-les-Bains, Luxembourg to Vittel, France July 4, 2017.

The Briton ended up battered and bloodied. He was later diagnosed with a separated shoulder. That ended Cavendish's latest Tour, and resulted in officials disqualifying Sagan, for what they decided was an egregious assault.

The incident mars what should have been a happy ending for the home fans in the mineral water commune of Vittel, as 25-year-old Frenchman Arnaud Demare won his first career stage.

Sagan finished second before he was thrown out the race, so the day belongs to Demare and his team, French lottery sponsors FDJ, while Thomas holds onto the overall leader's yellow jersey for the fourth straight stage.