Cadel Evans pipped Alberto Contador on the line in Mur-de-Bretagne as the Spaniard attempted to reduce his deficit to his overall rivals.

Wiggins, bidding to better his fourth-placed finish in 2009, lost time to fellow podium hopefuls Contador, Evans and Frank Schleck, but was satisfied with his day’s work after moving up to sixth place overall.

The 31-year-old Londoner knows there is plenty more to come, with visits to the Massif Central, Pyrenees and Alps in the next two and a half weeks.

He said: “I feel nice and strong. These stages are about staying safe, not giving much away.

“I conceded a few seconds at the top, but gained on others.

“In three weeks’ time that’s not going to mean much. I’m pretty happy.”

Contador – racing despite being the subject of a Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing next month into his failed drugs test at last year’s Tour – punched the air in celebration at the end of the 172.5km fourth stage from Lorient, but Evans (BMC Racing) won by a tyre’s width.

Contador (Saxo Bank-SunGard) now sits in 41st place, still one minute 42 seconds behind race leader Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervelo) but eight seconds closer to 2009 and 2010 Tour runner-up Andy Schleck (Leopard Trek), who is ninth.

David Millar is now fourth overall, eight seconds behind his team-mate Hushovd, Wiggins is sixth, two seconds further back, and Geraint Thomas is seventh.

Cavendish, though, again appeared to struggle at the day’s intermediate sprint, losing out on points in his bid for the green jersey.

After the day’s breakaway swept the first five positions, Cavendish was in contention for the 10 points awarded for sixth place only to take seven points for crossing in ninth place. It may yet be significant come the Champs Elysees.

The Manxman, who was fifth on stage three, will be eager to make amends today as he nears the scene of his first Tour stage win in 2008. The Tour returns to Chateauroux on Friday.