Alexandr Vinokourov (photo) of Kazakhstan won the fourth stage of the Tour de Romandie yesterday to move up to second overall behind Pavel Brutt of Russia.

Vinokourov sprinted to victory in 3 hours, 47 minutes and 55 seconds, edging left to close off the racing line of runner-up Mikael Cherel. The Frenchman crossed the line with his right arm raised in protest.

Third-placed Tony Martin was outpaced at the end and finished the 165.7-kilometre (103-mile) stage from Thierrens to Neuchatel just meters ahead of the main group.

Vinokourov climbed from fourth in the general classification and now trails Brutt by 32 seconds.

"I had a great sprint and my legs are good for tomorrow," Vinokourov said, looking ahead to today's stage that will likely decide the overall winner.

However, the Astana team leader identified Martin as the big threat in the 20.1 kilometres (12.5 miles) time trial from Aubonne to Signal-de-Bougy.

Martin, who took time-trial bronze at the past two World Championships, is 21st overall, 1 minute, 18 seconds back from Brutt.

The 26-year-old German has already won the Paris-Nice and Tour of the Algarve stage races this season.

The six-day Romandie race concludes Sunday with a final stage into Geneva.