Australian Wins Fourth Stage of Bicycle Race

Phil Anderson of Australia, who took an early lead in the mountainous route of the Coors International bicycle race, held on to win the grueling event Tuesday, finishing the 119-mile course in less than 5 1/2 hours.

Dag-Otto Lauritzen of Norway was overall leader as the California-to-Colorado race finished its fourth day.

Anderson took a brisk five-lap criterium in Nevada City, winning a $500 premium, then maintained his edge, finishing the race in 5:27:38. Anderson, taking a seven-second lead on a breakaway group, headed the field as the cyclists sped from town.

With 5,000 spectators cheering them on, the cyclists left the rustic, Gold Rush-era town in the Sierra Nevada foothills at 11 a.m., before heading north on winding, historic State Route 49.

Finishing in second place Tuesday was Lauritzen, while Doug Shapiro finished third, Jeff Pierce, fourth; and Bernard Hinault, fifth.