Cycling: Jenner finds going tough

VERDUN - New Zealand cyclist Chris Jenner yesterday had his toughest day on the Tour de France, finishing more than 18 minutes behind France's Laurent Jalabert in the 215km fourth stage to Verdun.

The 26-year-old Jenner, riding for the Credit Agricole team, is now 152nd on general classification, 27m 6s behind his team-mate Stuart O'Grady, the Australian who yesterday extended his lead to 18s.

Credit Agricole retained control of the team's race as well, with German Jens Voight in fourth place overall, and American Bobby Julich sixth.

Jalabert, who fell off a ladder and broke three ribs in February, edged Ludo Dierckxsens in a superb sprint.

Lance Armstrong, the American chasing a rare third successive Tour win, was in the main pack, 7s behind the leaders.

"It's a lesson in courage," Jalabert said of his comeback from injury. "I never gave up. I started from very low and I have had a lot of doubts recently."

The CSC-Tiscali rider is a former world No 1. He is ranked second in the overall race standings.

He crossed just ahead of Lampre rider Dierckxsens, from Belgium.

France's Damien Nazon led the main pack, seven seconds off the pace.

Italian former world No 1 Francesco Casagrande pulled out of the stage within an hour of the departure from Huy. He had suffered stomach problems since the start of the Tour.