Team Sky's Chris Froome took over the lead of the Tour Of Oman on a day when Joaquim Rodriquez won the stage.
The queen stage of the race was a 143.5km stage from Samail to Jabal Al Akhdhar (Green Mountain) and was one that saw two sprints and a summit finish.
There were a few trying to breakaway when the flag dropped but it was Bookwalter (BMC), Rast (RLT), Smukulis (KAT), Schillinger (TNE) and Friedeman (CSS) who escaped and had a lead of 2.15 after sixteen kilometres.
Schillinger took the first sprint of the day as their lead extended past four minutes ahead of the Peloton which was doing their best to avoid Nocentini (AG2R) and Wetterhall (TNE) who had crashed.
Their lead was now sixty five seconds as the escapers reached the second sprint at the base of Green Mountain and this time, Friedeman took the points on offer.
With Alberto Contador on the front leading the way,, the escapers were caught on the climb and the SaxoTinkoff rider was soon joined by Nibali, Team Sky's Chris Froome and Joaquim Rodriquez.
Katusha's Rodriguez attacked with Froome behind and took the win with the Team Sky rider getting the second place he needed and the bonus seconds to take him into the red leaders jersey. Third was Cadel Evans with Alberto Contador fourth.
Jerseys after Stage 4 - Red overall - Froome, Green points - Sagan, White young rider - Elissonde, Green/Red Aggressive - Traksel
A delighted Froome later tweeted; "Very happy with today's ride. The guys did a great job setting it up for me. Defending won't be easy but we'll give it everything! "