Stage 4 win for Van Garderen

Setcases - Katusha's Spanish rider Joaquin Rodriguez has retained the lead of the Tour of Catalonia after Thursday's fourth stage won by American Tejay Van Garderen.

Rodriguez finished fourth in the gruelling 166.4km stage between Alp and the Vallter 2000 ski resort, a ride which featured ascents of five Pyrennean peaks.

In the cold and fog, all the Tour's favourites came through in the same group after the final, uncategorised climb.

Spain's Alberto Contador finished third at 3sec from Van Garderen, Rodriguez at 4sec, with Colombian Nairo Quintana (5sec) and Britain's reigning Tour de France winner Chris Froome (8) just off the pace.

In the overall standings, eight riders are grouped within 30sec, Rodriguez sitting 4sec ahead of Contador, with Van Garderen a further 3sec adrift. Froome lies 17sec off Rodriguez in sixth spot.

Friday's fifth stage is a 218.2km ride between Llanrs Vall de Camprodon and Valls.