Tour de France 2011 Live Coverage: Tyler Farrar Picks Up Points In Stage 4 Intermediate Sprint

With many of the great sprinters of the last era on their way out and a few tours behind him, Tyler Farrar finally looks like a man who can regularly compete for stage wins and green jerseys in the Tour de France. In this year’s 2011 edition, he’s very much after both, and he’s strengthened his standing in the latter area Tuesday by getting maximum points from Stage 4’s intermediate sprint, finishing in sixth place overall and first place among the peloton, who are chasing a five-rider breakaway.

Thanks to that sprint, Farrar gained some ground on Jose Joaquin Rojas, who has the green jersey on his shoulders at present. Joaquin is now sitting on 74 points, while Farrar has 68. The next best is Phillipe Gilbert, who is not a true sprinter, while Mark Cavendish is back a bit after being disqualified from Stage 3’s intermediate sprint, along with Thor Hushovd.

The sprinters are now done for the day, as the finish of the race is on top of a steep Category 3 climb. Gilbert is the heavy favorite to win the stage, but the likes of yellow jersey holder Thor Hushovd and yellow hopefuls Cadel Evans and Geraint Thomas could make a move. Also, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Alberto Contador get aggressive in a bid to make up some time.

If you’re looking for live coverage and updates online, be sure to stay with our 2011 Tour de France StoryStream. Get geared up for the 2011 Tour de France with Podium Cafe’s five storylines to watch. Also be sure to check out the full route and schedule for this year’s race.