Tirreno-Adriatico, Van der Poel wins again

Mathieu Van der Poel wins the fourth stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico, from Tagliacozzo to Martinsicuro , 213 km.

A group of riders made up of Del Grosso, Garcia Cortina, Rex, Spock, Gaffuri, Kielich, Warbasse, Abrahamsen and Otruba broke away.  

The latter tried to break away before the Tortoreto climb and remained alone in the lead, while his breakaway companions were caught by the group led by the blue jersey Del Toro.  

At the entrance to the Tortoreto climb, Visma Lease a Bike takes the lead and pulls, creating a selection in the leading group, while Otruba is caught.  

Up front, Jorgenson is setting a great pace and, in addition to Del Toro, there are Van der Poel, Van Aert, Pellizzari, Roglic, Healy, Johannessen, Ciccone, Strong, Pinarello, Champoussin and Ganna , while Alaphilippe and Carapaz are breaking away.  

In the final metres of the climb, Del Toro tries to attack, followed by Van der Poel, but they fail to make a selection and thirteen remain in front.  

With eight kilometers to go, Vendrame and Christen rejoined the leading group. The Swiss rider from Team UAE attempted a breakaway in the final kilometer but was caught; Ganna attempted a counterattack, but Vendrame caught up with him, followed by Van der Poel , who launched a sprint and took the win.

Second place went to an excellent Pellizzari, who earned a time bonus and became the new leader of the general classification, while Johannessen placed third.

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency