Tony Martin wins stage four of the Tour de France

Tony Martin has claimed victory in the fourth stage of the Tour de France to take the overall lead in the race.

The German crossed the line one second ahead of his teammate John Degenkolb to move nine seconds clear in the standings.

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"After having a flat tyre and changing bikes I was thinking about the next stage," BBC Sport quotes Martin as saying.

"But I got back in and with 5km remaining everybody was looking round and not pulling so I went for it. A thousand thanks for my team. I am super happy."

Britain's Chris Froome had gone into the race wearing the yellow jersey, but he finished in the chasing pack.