Two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard seized control of Paris-Nice with victory on Wednesday's rain-soaked fourth stage. 

The Danish rider launched a decisive attack one kilometer from the finish of the 195km stage from Bourges to Uchon, distancing Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe teammates Daniel Martinez and Tim Van Dijke on the steep final climb.

Martinez finished second at the summit, 41 seconds behind, and now sits 52 seconds behind Vingegaard in the overall standings.

German rider Georg Steinhauser is third overall at 3 minutes 20 seconds after finishing fifth on the stage, nearly three minutes behind the winner.

Strong crosswinds early in the stage split the peloton into several groups before heavy rain made the roads increasingly dangerous.

Juan Ayuso Crashes Out As Paris-Nice Conditions Worsen

The slippery surface caused multiple crashes, including one involving overnight leader Juan Ayuso.

The Spaniard was taken away by ambulance while another general classification contender, UAE Team Emirates rider Brandon McNulty, also abandoned the race after a heavy fall.

Three Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe teammates helped drive the pace at the front for Martinez until he and Vingegaard were the only overall contenders left to fight for the stage victory.

INEOS Grenadiers rider Kevin Vauquelin fought back to sixth place despite being dropped earlier in the crosswinds, leaving him fourth overall at 3 minutes 39 seconds.

Three more hilly stages and a major mountain stage on Saturday remain, with Thursday's fifth stage featuring an uphill finish after three climbs in the final 40km.