Cadel Evans
BMC Racing Team's Cadel Evans (R) of Australia edges past Saxo Bank-Sungard rider Alberto Contador of Spain during the final sprint in the fourth stage of the Tour de France 2011 cycling race, from Lorient to Mur-de-Bretagne, July 5, 2011. Evans won the stage. Reuters

Cadel Evans pulled out a hard fought win up a final hill to edge out Alberto Contador in Stage 4 of the Tour de France.

The BMC leader was impressive in holding off 3-time Tour winner Contador who had attacked earlier up the climb.

After Contador's attack, Evans counter-attacked and pushed to the finish line in a photo finish edging out the Spaniard who had tried to pass him at the line.

Thor Hushovd of Garmin-Cevelo held onto his yellow jersey by holding the wheel of an elite group of riders with Evans and Contador. It was an impressive display for sprinter who is known for having some ability on the climbs.

Some GC favorites like Samuel Sanchez and Jurgen Van den Broeck finished with the same time as the stage winner. Others like Andy Schleck, Chris Horner, and Levi Leipheimer finished just 8 seconds back in a trailing group.