Result: AUSTRALIAN SIMON CLARKE took the fourth stage, a 160km jaunt from Barakaldo to Estacion.
The Orica Greenedge rider led for most of the day and managed to hold off the challenge of Tony Martin over the thrilling final 10km stretch.
Team Katusha’s Joaquim Rodriguez also enjoyed the run as he claimed the overall leader’s red jersey from Alejandro Valverde of Movistar.
How it happened: Within the first 20 kilometres of Tuesday’s stage, Clarke, Martin, Cofidis’ Luis Angel Mate, Assan Bazeyev of Astana and Jesus Rosendo Prado of Andulicia broke away from the peloton and built up a lead of 13 minutes and 16 seconds at one point.
A crash with over 60 kilometres to go, as the peloton increased its speed, saw Valverde hit the ground with Team Sky controversially taking off to give Froome a chance of taking the red jersey, with Rodriguez and Contador also taking advantage.
After the initial breakaway group was eventually whittled down to two; Clarke and Martin (Quick Step) cycled the last 10 kilometres together in search of victory.
After Clarke tried to burst for the line with two kilometres to go, Martin pulled him back and overtook the Orica-GreenEdge rider. But Clarke was too strong in the sprint, overhauling his German rival on the final stretch to win the 160 kilometre stage by two seconds.
How did Nico do? Another excellent shift from young Roche. He rode into the finish just 55 seconds behind the leaders. A result which pushes him up to eighth overall, a total of 24 seconds behind Rodriguez.
What happens tomorrow? Froome will attempt to close the minuscule one second gap which separates him from Rodriguez in a 168 kilometer round trip with Logroño providing the start/finish line. Saxo Bank’s Alberto Contador will begin in third place overall, four seconds behind Froome.
