Evelyn Stevens chalks up stage win in France

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Evelyn Stevens has continued her dramatic rise towards the top of women's cycling after claiming stage four of the Route de France. Riding in France with the US National Team, Stevens out-sprinted Kim Anderson (Columbia-HTC) to the finishline of stage four in St. Pourcain.

Despite missing the stage victory, Anderson was the recipient of her first ever race leader's jersey as the duo finished 2:12 ahead of Monia Baccaille (Gauss RDZ Ormu – Colnago). Stevens also moved up into second place overall.

"I'm really excited and pleased about how the day worked out," Anderson said afterwards. "I chased down an attack and then there were 10 of us ahead, and for some reason the bunch just didn't chase behind. Our lead grew really fast, about half of the break was working well, and then when Evelyn attacked I had to chase very hard to get her back. I didn't get the stage win, but taking a race lead for the first time ever in my career is really important."

Anderson admitted that she would have to mark Stevens as she seeks to defend her race lead on Friday's 137-kilometre stage five from Blanzat to Chatelguyon.

"It's true that tomorrow is a tough stage, but we've got a strong team here and we'll do everything we can to keep it all under control," said Anderson. "I will have to watch Evelyn very closely but I'm very confident in my teammates. I'll do my best to make sure it all works out."