Thor storms home to reel in Hunter

NORWEGIAN Thor Hushovd edged a tight finish to win the fourth stage of the Tour de France on the 193km route between Villers-Cotterets and Joigny.

The 29-year-old had Credit Agricole team-mate Julian Dean to thank as he guided him expertly into contention with 300 metres to go, from which point Hushovd got the perfect run in to beat second-placed South African Robbie Hunter of Barloworld to the line by less than a bike-length.

It was Hushovd’s first victory of the season and it took him up to second in the overall standings behind leader Fabian Cancellara, who finished safely in the peloton to keep his yellow jersey.