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Stage 4 - 2012 Paris-Nice
Brive-la-Gaillarde - Rodez, 183km
Stage Results:
1-Gianni Meersman (Bel) Lotto-Belisol (4:21:01)
2-Grega Bole (Slo) Lampre-ISD
3-Lieuwe Westra (Ned) Vacansoleil-DCM
10-Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Team Sky
144-Danny Pate (USA) Team Sky (+10:13)
Danny Pate’s Calm Before the Storm
Stage four ended with Bradley Wiggins preserving his six second overall race lead ahead of American Levi Leipheimer (Omega Pharma-QuickStep). Wiggins Team Sky Teammate, Danny Pate, had an easier day in stage four as he only averaged 238W which translated into 203TSS points, compared to 264W and 282TSS points in stage three.
One of the primary reasons Pate’s overall power was lower today was that once the break of five riders went away, after about 10km, other teams took over the lead. Team Sky had a much easier time defending the yellow jersey today as they were barely required to hit the front. Wiggins finished in the first group in 10th position and retained the yellow jersey with three road stages and a time trial remaining.
Race Summary by the Numbers
Time: 4:31:14
Distance: 178kms
Wattage: 238W avg (292 normalized power)
Training Stress Score: 203TSS
Energy: 3358KJ
Body weight 73.5kg
One of Pate’s biggest efforts of stage four was when he helped position Wiggins as they entered the final climb of the day. Pate averaged 386W for five minutes as the race approached the category three Cote d’Aubert le Cres.
Tomorrow's 3km final climb up the Montee Laurent Jalabert in Mende will be the next key moment in the race. We should see more of the same from Pate on stage five as Pate will be called upon to make sure Wiggins is positioned well entering the final few kilometers of the stage.
