Cameron Meyer claims race leader's jersey at Tour Down Under

Leader of the pack: Cameron Meyer celebrates crossing the line first

Meyer, a world track cycling champion, worked hard to get into the only successful breakaway of the 124-kilometre fourth stage from Norwood to Strathalbyn in the Adelaide Hills.

His efforts eventually paid off as crosswinds and a lack of collaboration in the chasing pack conspired to allow the break a clear run to the finish.

At the end of the stage Meyer beat Belgian Thomas De Gendt, of Vacansoleil, in a sprint, with Dutchman Laurens Ten Dam in third just ahead of former Australian champion Matt Wilson, also of Garmin-Cervelo.

With the chasing pack arriving 24 seconds later, Meyer took the ochre jersey from overnight leader and compatriot Matthew Goss, who rides for HTC-Columbia. Ten Dam is now second overall, 10secs adrift, with Goss in third at 12.

Australia's Robbie McEwen (RadioShack) is still in contention for overall victory on Sunday in fourth at 15, with Germany's Andre Greipel (Omega-Pharma), the defending and two-time champion, fifth at 16.

Lance Armstrong, who will end his road racing career in Adelaide on Sunday, finished 41sec down on the stage to sit 81st overall at 3:56 behind Meyer.
The fifth and penultimate stage on Saturday is expected to be decisive, with the peloton racing twice over the short but steep Willunga Hill, whose summit is 19 km from the finish in Willunga.
The race finishes with a 90 km street race in Adelaide.