Primož Roglič has now gone top of the overall standings ©LottoNL–Jumbo

Slovenia's Primož Roglič claimed victory on stage four of the Tour of the Basque Country, an individual time trial, and in the process moved into the general classification lead.

It had looked like New Zealand's Patrick Bevan, riding for BMC Racing, would take the stage win after he crossed the finish line of the 19.4-kilometre stage in 22min 35sec earlier on in the day.

That excellent time, however, only proved to be a benchmark for 28-year-old Roglič, riding for LottoNL–Jumbo, who posted an even better time of 22:26 to defend the stage he won at last year's Tour.

Roglič won World Championship silver in the time trial last year so has pedigree in the discipline. 

Bevin's time was still enough for second place, while Belarus' Vasil Kiryienka, riding for Team Sky, finished third with a time of 22:37.

Slovenia's Primož Roglič was almost 10 seconds ahead of New Zealand's Patrick Bevan in today's individual time trial to take the overall general classification lead in the Tour of the Basque Country ©LottoNL–Jumbo
Slovenia's Primož Roglič was almost 10 seconds ahead of New Zealand's Patrick Bevan in today's individual time trial to take the overall general classification lead in the Tour of the Basque Country ©LottoNL–Jumbo

France's Julian Alaphilippe, riding for Quick-Step Floors, was the overall leader going into today's race after two first-place finishes on the first two stages of the Tour.

He has now dropped into second place after finishing eighth in today's time trial - 42 seconds behind leader Roglič.

This performance by the Frenchman means Roglič now leads Alaphilippe by 34 seconds in the overall standings.

Stage five of the race is due to place tomorrow in the form of a 164.7km ride from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Eibar.

The Tour of the Basque Country, an International Cycling Union World Tour race, is due to conclude on Saturday (April 7).