American champion outsprints Andreas Kron in France

American rider Quinn Simmons secured victory on the fourth stage of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in France, outpacing Danish cyclist Andreas Kron in the final sprint. Kron, riding for Uno-X, launched his sprint early but could not match the finishing speed of Simmons of Lidl-Trek.

The decisive moment came on the stage, which featured six smaller climbs, as Kron and Simmons were part of a ten-rider breakaway. This group managed to hold off a charging peloton to the finish line. With less than 500 meters remaining, Kron initiated his sprint among the breakaway riders, but ultimately, the U.S. champion proved strongest.

New Zealand's Finn Fisher-Black of Red Bull challenged Simmons, but the American champion ultimately claimed a relatively clear victory. Kron crossed the line in sixth place. Shortly after, Wout van Aert of Visma won the sprint from the main peloton.

The race, formerly known as Criterium de Dauphine, continues with eight stages until Sunday. Earlier in the week, Kron's teammate Anthon Charmig won the second stage by breaking away for a solo 12-kilometer effort. French rider Alex Baudin of EF holds the leader's jersey, with Mattias Skjelmose of Lidl-Trek in sixth place, 47 seconds behind.