REIMS, France, July 7 (UPI) -- Alessandro Petacchi pulled off the most effective finishing sprint Wednesday and won his second stage at this year's Tour de France.
Petacchi, who won Sunday's first stage of the race, emerged from a crowded field and edged Julian Dean, Edvald Boasson Hagen and a host of other riders at the end of the 92-mile route from Cambrai to Reims.
All but six riders in the 168-bicycle field were given times of 3 hours, 34 minutes, 55 seconds.
There was no change in the leaders of the overall standings. Fabian Cancellara remains in first 23 seconds ahead of Geraint Thomas. Cadel Evans is 39 seconds behind Cancellara, with Ryder Hesjedal in fourth 46 seconds off the pace. Lance Armstrong is in 18th place, 2:30 behind Cancellara.
The tour's fifth stage Thursday covers 112.5 miles from Epernay in northeastern France southwest to Montargis. The route includes two Category 4 climbs in the early sections.
