FOR THE SECOND day running, Ireland’s Daniel Martin was edged out in a sprint finish at the Vuelta à Espana.
Martin finished fifth in today’s fourth stage from Mairena del Alcor to Cordoba, won by Germany’s John Degenkolb (Team Giant-Shimano).
The result leaves Martin fourth on 32 points in the points classification following his second-place finish on Monday.
Michael Matthews and Degenkolb lead the challenge for the green jersey on 45 points ahead of the race’s first mountain stage on Thursday.
Australia’s Matthews (Orica-GreenEdge) also leads the general classification standings by eight seconds after he crossed the line in third today.
Nairo Quintana is second overall with Alejandro Valverde a further seven seconds back in third. Martin is in 20th, 43 seconds behind Matthews.