Paris-Nice Stage 4: Following the Leader

Stage 4 was the first stage to feature some real climbs in the 2014 running of Paris Nice, and because of that the Polka Dot Jersey (awarded for being first over the most climbs) was destined to change hands today.  The early breakaway was set up to claim all of the available points and they seemed to have come to an agreement to let V. Agnoli of Astana grab all of the King of the Mountain points on the first climbs of the stage.  He gathered up enough points to don the Polka Dot Jersey at the finish of the stage.  Oddly, Team Bretagne missed this breakaway after having been represented in every break of every stage thus far.  Perhaps coincidently, each day's break has had the same number of riders as days in the race, so it was four today.  V. Agnoli of Astana, Jesus Herrada of Moviestar (and the National Champion of Spain), Laurent Didier of Trek Factory Racing and Perrig Quemeneur of Team Europcar were the riders to comprise today's effort.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase at my artist website, www.greigleach.com, or you could just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2327069---195767/Painting.html#.UyEnjs_D_IU