Chris Froome sixth overall at Herald Sun Tour as Ian Stannard wins final stage

Chris Froome was unable to defend his Herald Sun Tour title as he failed to make up his deficit to Damien Howson on Sunday's final stage, which was won by Team Sky's Ian Stannard.

Three-time Tour de France winner Froome needed to make up 72 seconds on Howson but the Australian held on to the gains he made on Thursday's opening stage to claim overall victory.

The Orica-Scott rider fended off a couple of late challenges, including an attack from Froome, with the riders coming in just about together at the finish in Kinglake.

They were 17 seconds behind stage winner Stannard, who got the better of New Zealander Aaron Gate (Aqua Blue Sport) to claim his first win of the season.

It was the second stage victory of the week for Team Sky, with Luke Rowe having won on Friday after being involved in a breakaway.

"I knew the guys wanted to spice it up behind," Stannard said.

"I wasn't sure how I felt. I had a big day chasing that last 30 kilometres yesterday, I went pretty deep and felt not great early and came around towards the end of the race.

"We've come here and wanted to have some fun and some good racing - that's what it's been about and it's worked well for us."

Froome maintained his sixth place in the overall standings. Howson's winning margin over runner-up Jai Hindley (Korda Mentha) was 38 seconds. Team Sky's Kenny Eilssonde finished third overall.

"Damien was really strong," said Froome. "He rode a great stage on Falls Creek and has defended the jersey really well."

Stage Four result:

1. Ian Stannard (GB/Team Sky) 2hrs 52mins 44secs

2. Aaron Gate (NZ/Aqua Blue Sport) +0s

3. Taco van der Hoorn (Ned/Roompot-Nederlandse Loterij) +0s

General Classification:

1. Damien Howson (Aus/Orica-Scott) 15hrs 25mins 13secs

2. Jai Hindley (Aus/Australian National Team) +38secs

3. Kenny Elissonde (Fra/Team Sky) +53secs

Selected:

6. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) +1min 12secs