September 4, 2004 – The Tour of Britain moved to Wales, and the exotic Celtic Manor Resort in Newport for today’s 4th stage. The 154 km route was essentially three laps of a hilly circuit, with a steep climb to the finish at Celtic Manor. Once again, the stage began with a neutral roll out, and as soon as the start flag dropped, a series of attacks propelled the field into a high-speed volley.

Although numerous powerful groups formed of the front, the 60km/hr pace of the peloton prevented any from being successful. Fueled by Credit Agricole’s desire to keep the field intact for the day’s 1st sprint bonus at 46km, break after break was immediately reeled in. The field finally settled down around the 60km mark, and five breakaway companions, including Lotto’s Koos Moerenhout, CSC’s Kurt Arvesen, Mr. Bookmakers Jeremy Hunt, Gareth Jones of Wales, and Russel Downing from the Great Britain team. The five riders were no danger to GC, and went straight to 14 minutes. In spite of the difficult uphill finish, Quickstep appeared eager for another sprint, and worked the group to find some chasing allies.

Finally the field got organized, and with about 70 km remaining, started the pursuit. The leaders were caught with about 4km to go, and the teams powered their teams to the front, trying to give their GC men good position for the finishing assault of Celtic Manor. As they rounded the final turn, and hit the steepest pitch, race leader Mauricio Ardila exploded up the sharp grade, powering to his second stage victory, and adding to his lead. Fernandez Moreno (Bodysol) finished in 2nd, and Michele Bartoli gave up three seconds to finish 3rd. Navigators Insurance came across in 15th to hold his top ten position in GC.

Stage 4:
1. Ardila
2. Moreno
3. Bartoli @ 03″

GC:
1. Ardila
2. Nuyens @17″
3. Leblacher @18″
10. Baldwin,Christopher (Navigators Insurance) @27″