MADRID, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Ethan Vernon of NSN Cycling Team won the final sprint as the fourth stage of the Tour of Catalonia on Thursday saw the final climb up the special-category Vallter ascent removed from the race because of high winds.

The decision, taken for safety reasons, shortened the stage from 173 to 151 kilometers and changed its profile from one suited to specialist climbers to one favoring the sprinters.

Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe was able to start after his heavy fall in the final 500 meters of Wednesday's stage and appeared to suffer no ill effects as he took bonus seconds in the intermediate sprint.

Vernon held off the challenge of Dorian Godon of Ineos Grenadiers, who was looking to complete a hat trick of stage wins.

Vernon received excellent support from his team, which left him in the lead and allowed him to choose the best line into a chicane with 200 meters remaining.

Godon remains the overall leader with a 13-second advantage over Thomas Pidcock of Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, who finished third on the day and also took bonus seconds in the intermediate sprint. Evenepoel is third overall, a further second behind.

The fifth stage on Friday runs from La Seu d'Urgell to the summit of the special-category Coll de Pal, covering 155.3 kilometers and featuring three first-category climbs and one second-category climb. ■