Team High Road's Kim Kirchen won Thursday's fourth stage of the Pais Vasco in a sprint finish, while Astana's Alberto Contador retained the overall lead.

It was Kirchen's second stage victory in this year's event, and left him in fifth place in the overall standings.

Contador came in 20th with the same time as the stage winner to retain his overall lead, three seconds ahead of compatriot Ezequiel Mosquera.

Kirchen covered the 171 kilometers between Viana and Vitoria-Gasteiz in four hours, 17 minutes and 33 seconds to edge his teammate Morris Possoni of Italy at the line.

Third was Spain's David Herrero, Wednesday's stage winner, fourth Michael Albasini of Switzerland and fifth Australia's Matthew Lloyd.

On Friday's penultimate stage, the riders leave Vitoria-Gasteiz for Orio, 162 kilometers away.