- João Almeida wins the fourth stage of the Itzulia at the finish line in Markina-Xemein
- João Almeida now leads the general classification
We’ve reached the halfway point of the Itzulia with the fourth stage between Beasain and Markina-Xemein, featuring seven scoring passes ahead. A vibrant atmosphere welcomed the riders in Beasain, buoyed by the confirmation of Alex Aranburu’s reinstated stage 3 victory. The Cofidis rider received the official recognition and winner’s trophy for stage 3 of the Itzulia during the signature checkpoint, greeted by a standing ovation from the fans.
The opening kilometres were marked by a flurry of attacks in the peloton as riders vied to form the breakaway. Thibault Guernalec (ARK, 45), Juri Hollmann (ADC, 153), Mauro Schmid (JAY, 177), and Julian Alaphilippe (TUD, 233) opened up a 25-second gap on the peloton, but it was closed on the climb to Asentzio.
On the next climb, the Muniketagane pass, the day’s breakaway was finally established, consisting of 11 riders: Marc Soler (UAD, 7), Andrea Bagioli (LTK, 21), Quinn Simmons (LTK, 26), Léo Bisiaux (DAT, 63), Finn Fisher-Black (RBH, 75), Ben Healy (EFE, 91), Alex Baudin (EFE, 94), Txomin Juaristi (EUS, 135), Mauro Schmid (JAY, 177), Ander Okamika (BBH, 181) and Sepp Kuss (TVL, 202). None of the riders in the breakaway were a threat to the general classification.
The peloton, controlled by the Bahrain Victorious team, kept the gap to the breakaway in check. The leaders managed to build a maximum lead of almost two minutes.
As the race neared its final 20 kilometres, Cofidis pushed ahead, with Alex Aranburu looking to secure another stage win. With the gap to the breakaway narrowing, all the teams increased their tempo to ensure they were well-placed for the final climb. Ahead of them lay challenging, narrow ramps.
The breakaway was neutralised with two kilometres remaining before the climb. The favourites fought for position as they approached the final ascent. The 20% gradients kicked in just as the Bahrain Victorious team increased the pace. For the time being, the favourites in the general classification kept their cards close to their chest. Santiago Buitrago (TBV, 32) set his own pace and gained a few metres. The riders formed a single line, with Schachmann bringing up the rear. João Almeida attempted to make his move, raising the tempo of the group. Halfway up the climb, the favourites started to distance themselves from the rest of the field. At that point, Almeida held the virtual lead in the race. The Portuguese UAE Emirates-XRG rider glanced back, gauging the gap he was opening up on his rivals.
Just behind, a trio consisting of Alex Aranburu (COF, 51), Florian Lipowitz (RBH, 71), and Clément Champoussin (XAT, 221) pursued. Ahead of the summit, a group of seven riders, featuring Enric Mas (MOV, 81), reached the front.
João Almeida maintained his lead on the descent, claiming both the stage victory and the yellow jersey. Chasing 28 seconds behind were his teammate Isaac del Toro and Max Schachmann.
Standings after Stage 4
Stage winner: Joao Almeida (UAD, 1)
Overall individual ranking: Joao Almeida (UAD, 1)
Mountain classification: Marc Soler (UAD, 7)
Overall points classification: Joao Almeida (UAD, 1)
Overall ranking best young rider: Brieuc Rolland (GFC, 126)
Overall team classification: XDS Astana
Overall ranking best Basque rider: Alex Aranburu (COF, 51)
Most combative: Marc Soler (UAD, 7)
