Mayo edges sprint finish

Mayo won the race on the line

Iban Mayo pipped Lance Armstrong on the finish line to win Thursday's 237-km fourth stage of the Dauphine Libere race from Vienne to Morzine.

Mayo outsprinted America's Armstrong and fellow Spaniard Francesco Mancebo after the trio broke away on the climb of the first-category Col de la Ramaz.

Armstrong, going for his fifth Tour de France title this year, retained the overall lead he seized on Wednesday after winning Wednesday's time-trial.

He now leads Mayo in the overall standings by one minute and 15 seconds.

"Armstrong is by far the strongest rider in the race. He is racing well and his team mates are doing a splendid job," said Mayo.

"If he doesn't suffer a technical problem or fall ill, he is unbeatable and we are left fighting for second and third places."

Mancebo's third place moved him up to fourth in the overall standings, with Britain's David Millar slipping to third after finishing 19th on Thursday.

Friday's 192-km fifth stage will take the riders from Morzine to Chambery over four climbs, including Cote du Pas de la Fosse.

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Stage four results:
1. Iban Mayo (Spa) Euskaltel 6hrs 26mins 44secs
2. Lance Armstrong (US) US Postal
3. Francisco Mancebo (Spa) Ibanesto.com both same time
4. Christophe Moreau (Fra) Credit Agricole 37secs behind
5. Richard Virenque (Fra) Quick Step-Davitamon 1:11
6. Alexandre Botcharov (Rus) AG2r Prevoyance
7. Laurent Dufaux (Swi) Alessio
8. Cyril Dessel (Fra) Phonak
9. David Canada (Spai Quick Step-Davitamon
10. Egoï Martinez (Spa) Euskaltel all same time

Overall standings:
1. Armstrong 16hrs 24mins 8secs
2. Mayo 1:15
3. Millar 2:12
4. Mancebo 2:36
5. Inigo Chaurreau (Spain) AG2r Prevoyance 3:37
6. Moreau (Fra) Credit Agricole 4:12
7. Levi Leipheimer (US) Rabobank 4:21
8. Pedro Lopez de Munain (Spa) Euskaltel 4:46
9. Grischa Niermann (Ned) Rabobank 4:58
10. Mikel Astarloza (Spa) AG2r Prevoyance 5:02