Cycling: Alexey Lutsenko (Astana) has won the dramatic fourth stage of Tirreno Adriatico. The Kazakh attacked early and, despite two falls at the end, won the stage in a small group sprint. Adam Yates (Mitchelton – Scott) remains the overall leader.
Alexey Lutsenko goes on the offensive early
Four climbs had to be completed on the fourth day of Tirreno Adriatico. First up on the 221,0 kilometer route were the Villa del Monte and Monteguiduccio climbs. On two final laps, the Cappucicini climb had to be mastered twice. The generally wavy profile from Foligno to Fossombrone invited attacks from the start. Early in the race, ten riders were able to break away from the peloton and gain a lead of more than eight minutes. Among others, the German was there Marcus Burghardt (Bora – hansgrohe). Due to the speed work of the Lotto - Soudal and Astana teams, the group had no chance despite its size. Already 37 kilometers before the finish with alexey lutsenko (Astana) the first favorite to attack. The race started all over again – and it was going to be dramatic.
Even two falls can't stop Lutsenko
After the attack by alexey lutsenko a well-known group of pursuers has formed. However, since the Kazakh was not the greatest threat in the general standings, he was given a small lead. But it wasn't the climb up to the Cappucicini that was to be dramatic, but the descents. The leader Lutsenko fell on both the first and second descents. This couldn't stop him. Although he was caught in the last kilometer, he subsequently won the sprint Primois Roglic (Jumbo – Visma) and Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott). The last-named overall leader remains. But now the Briton is only seven seconds ahead of Primoz Roglic. Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) improved to third.
Tomorrow: up and down on the fifth stage
Tomorrow Tirreno Adriatico will be even more wavy. The 180,0 kilometer route from Colli al Metauro to Recanati only leads up and down in the second half of the race. At the end of the day, the Recanati climb has to be completed three times. With a length of 3,6 kilometers and an average gradient of 7,5 percent, it will ensure a clear selection and numerous attacks.
Cade due volte negli ultimi 20 km and poi vince la volata: final pazzesco di Alexey Lutsenko in 4a tappa della Tirreno-Adriatico 💪🚴♂💨#TirrenoAdriatico | #EurosportCICLISMO | https://t.co/yeuDfRYfGo pic.twitter.com/SKaq0cRnfZ
- Eurosport IT (@Eurosport_IT) March 16, 2019