DOMAT/EMS, Switzerland (AFP) - Australia's Robbie McEwen, of the Silence team, won a sprint finish in the 170km fourth stage of the Tour of Switzerland here on Tuesday for his second consecutive stage win.

The 35-year-old McEwen crossed the line ahead of Spaniard Oscar Freire of Rabobank and German Gerald Ciolek of High Road in exactly the same order as in Monday's third stage.

It was the third success of the season for the double winner of the Tour de France's green jersey, after also taking the third stage of the Tour of Romandie, also on Swiss soil.

"It was a day for the sprinters," said McEwen. "All the team did a great job, Leif Hoste carried me to one kilometre from the line, then Jurgen Roelandts opened the door for me.

"I felt two guys catching up (Freire and Ciolek) but I held them off. It was a textbook sprint!"

McEwen added that he had yet to decide if he would stop before the mountain stages. "I'm going to continue for the moment, maybe I'll try to go all the way, I don't know..."

Meanwhile, the Australian played down a verbal clash with an official after Monday's stage which resulted in him being brought before the race jury, with the Swiss press claiming he made insulting remarks concerning Switzerland.

McEwen said: "What was written isn't accurate: I like Switzerland a lot, I've been coming here since 1996, it's a very well organised event which I enjoy where people are very enthusiastic."

Spain's Igor Anton, of the Euskaltel team, retained the leader's yellow jersey with a six-second advantage on Luxembourg's Kim Kirchen.

"The past two days were difficult with dangerous roads and bad weather conditions," said Anton.

"It's the first time I've worn a yellow jersey and it's a very nice feeling, you get more respect from others. I'm hoping to hold on to it for one more day.

"Tomorrow it's going to be complicated and it's an important stage for the overall standings. There will be a big climb and slopes, I'm hoping not to lose too much time and arrive in the leading group."