The revised fourth stage saw Riemst host an 8.1 kilometre individual time trial after organisers were forced to adapt plans on Wednesday (September 30) when the Dutch Government introduced further coronavirus measures.

The Netherlands had been due to host the time trial on stage two, but the restrictions forced the cancellation of the day and prompted organisers to scheduled the rest of the race in Belgium.

Andersen maintained his impressive recent form following the Team Sunweb rider securing two stage victories at the Tour de France last month.

The Danish rider completed the time trial in 9min 59sec.

His time was six seconds faster than Switzerland’s Stefan Küng, who won time trial bronze at last week’s International Cycling Union Road World Championships in Imola.

Stefan Bissegger of Switzerland was third on the stage after finishing seven seconds behind the winner.

Race leader Pedersen began the day level on time with Belgium’s Jasper Philipsen, courtesy of the riders winning the two sprint stages contested.

Pedersen justified his vow to target the overall victory by placing fourth on the stage in 10:07, 19 seconds faster than Philpsen.

The result sees Pedersen head into tomorrow’s final stage with a seven-second cushion over Andersen, who rose to second following his triumph today.

Küng is third at 13 seconds down.

The final 187.64km stage should take place as originally planned.

The stage will depart from the Belgian town of Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve and then finish with four laps around Geraardsbergen, climbing three ascents of the Denderoordstraat, Bosberg and the Muur van Geraardsbergen.