Sir Bradley Wiggins believes his Tour of Britain title defence is all but over after Michal Kwiatkowski seized the race lead by stealing a stunning stage-four victory in Bristol.

The race comes to Oxfordshire tomorrow, but Wiggins feels his chances of retaining his crown may have gone before the riders enter the county.

Poland’s Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) won the sprint for the line at the end of the 184.6km route from Worcester to claim a time bonus and take the yellow jersey by three seconds from Edoardo Zardini (Bardiani CSF).

Wiggins (Team Sky), the 2012 Tour de France champion, is now sixth, 27 seconds adrift.

The Briton, who could claw back time in Sunday morning’s short time-trial, said: “I’m still up there, but on paper first place has gone now.

“I can’t see myself getting 27 seconds on Kwiatkowski, but the podium is only 12 seconds away.

“He only has to have a puncture in the time trial. I wouldn’t say the GC (general classification) is over because finishing up there as the defending champion is important.”

The riders will travel across south Oxfordshire tomorrow in stage six from Bath to Hemel Hempstead.

They are expected to arrive in Wantage at around 1pm, before reaching Chinnor at approximately 2.20pm.

WHERE TO SEE THE RACE IN OXFORDSHIRE TOMORROW

1.07pm: Wantage. 1.15pm: West Hendred. 1.16pm: East Hendred. 1.19pm: Rowstock. 1.21pm: Harwell. 1.26pm: Upton. 1.28pm: Blewbury. 1.38pm: Cholsey. 1.45pm: Crowmarsh Gifford. 1.48pm: Oakley Wood. 2.01pm: Park Corner. 2.03pm: Cookley Green. 2.05pm: Nettlebed. 2.09pm: Christmas Common. 2.21pm: Crowell. 2.22pm: Chinnor.

All times are estimates.

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