• Giro d'Italia, Stage Four

Wiggins drops time on rivals

An incident at the end of stage four caused Bradley Wiggins to lose time in the Giro d'Italia on Tuesday, as his rivals got their first chance to put some pressure on the Team Sky rider.

Wiggins, comfortably ensconced in second in the general classification prior to the long fourth stage between Policastro and Serra San Bruno, was held up by an incident with around three kilometres to go, costing him time in the overall standings as the main peloton was split apart.

The 246-km stage was ultimately won by Enrico Battaglin, who led the front part of the peloton as they chased down and eventually overhauled compatriot Danilo Di Luca, who had broken away from the pack early on.

Wiggins eventually lost 17 seconds on the stage, much of the advantage he had gained during the weekend's time trial, as he dropped down to sixth in the standings.

Katusha rider Luca Paolini remains in the leader's pink jersey after his impressive turn on Monday, while defending champion Ryder Hesjedal is now level with Wiggins 34 seconds behind Paolini, with former Tour de France winner Cadel Evans just a further seven seconds adrift.

Vincenzo Nibali, pegged by many as a potential winner of this year's Giro, is now two seconds clear of Wiggins and Hesjedal prior to any mountain stages - where he is expected to excel.

Wiggins' team-mate Rigoberto Uran remains Paolini's closest challenger, the Colombian still second in the general classification by 17 seconds.

Stage Four, Policastro - Serra San Bruno
1. Enrico Battaglin (Ita) Bardiani Valvole-CSF Inox 6:14:19
2. Fabio Felline (Ita) Androni Giocattoli
3. Giovanni Visconti (Ita) Movistar Team
4. Rigoberto Uran Uran (Col) Sky Procycling
5. Arnold Jeannesson (Fra) FDJ
6. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
7. Benat Intxausti Elorriaga (Spa) Movistar Team
8. Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin-Sharp
9. Robert Kiserlovski (Cro) RadioShack Leopard
10. Luca Paolini (Ita) Katusha

General classification
1. Luca Paolini (Ita) Katusha 15:18:51
2. Rigoberto Uran (Col) Team Sky +17s
3. Benat Intxausti (Spa) Movistar +26s
4. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Astana +31s
5. Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin +34s
6. Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Team Sky
7. Giampaolo Caruso (Ita) Katusha +36s
8. Sergio Luis Henao (Col) Team Sky +37s
9. Mauro Santambrogio (Ita) Vini Fantini +39s
10. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing +42s

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.