USAPCC Stage 4: Avon > Steamboat Springs, 138.4 km

The peloton lines up in Avon, Colorado for the start of stage 4, ominous skies ahead (unlike those behind) may bring rain...

As expected, the attacks come thick and fast from km zero...

...but Shack, Garmin, and BMC help rein them all back.

The attacks and responses have kept the pace high on the climb out of Avon - the 20 miles of effort is taking its toll.

After the descent, the magic combination has gone up the road - the peloton finally relaxes.

Denifl of Leopard has brought two Columbians along, with two Team Type 1 about to bridge the gap.

Acevedo and Cristhian Montoya of Gobernacion de Antioquia; Bertogliati and Efimkin of Team Type 1; and Denifl work together during their escape.

The RadioShack and Liquigas peloton is keeping them in check, stringing out along the road.

Cadel seems to be enjoying the company of his mates...

There are many antlered animals in Colorado, this one is not a native of the state.

The escape had little time to admire the scenery.

Ben King and George Bennett lead the peloton down the descent before the feed zone.

Van Garderen seems in good spirits today, perhaps something is in the works for tomorrow's stage.

Levi and George chat as the escape is reeled in.

The break passes Finger Rock...

..with the peloton hot on their heels.

Liquigas and Exergy now bring the escap to an end...

...with Liquigas delivering Viviani to the line, just ahead of Morkov (SaxoBank) and Van Hummel (Skil-Shimano).

Only in Colorado would the stage winner be delivered his prize of steaks and a Stetson cowboy hat by a man on a horse...

Viviani seems a bit more accostomed to this podium behavior.