Tour of the Alps 2018 Stage 4: LL Sánchez wins, Pinot still in lead

The 4th stage of the Tour of the Alps travels from Italy to Austria. An elite-group takes shape on the last KOM of the day, the Bannberg, and after the descent Luis León Sánchez strikes to solo to victory. Thibaut Pinot retains in the overall lead. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 4th stage 2018 Tour of the Alps

1. Luis León Sánchez (spa)
2. George Bennett (nzl) + 0.06
3. Koen Bouwman (nld) + 0.11
4. Thibaut Pinot (fra) s.t.
5. Fabio Aru (ita) s.t.
6. Domenico Pozzovivo (ita) s.t.
7. Miguel Ángel López (col) s.t.
8. Nicola Conci (ita) s.t.
9. Pello Bilbao (spa) s.t.
10. Chris Froome (gbr) s.t.

GC after the 4th stage
1. Thibaut Pinot (fra)
2. Domenico Pozzovivo (ita) + 0.15
3. Miguel Ángel López (col) s.t.
4. Chris Froome (gbr) + 0.16
5. Fabio Aru (ita) + 0.50
6. Luis León Sánchez (spa) + 1.06
7. George Bennett (nzl) + 1.10
8. Ben O’Connor (aus) + 1.36
9. Giulio Ciccone (ita) + 1.45
10. Jan Hirt (cze) + 1.55

Race report
There is no break until the Terento-climb, but on the slopes attacks are flying. Ben Hermans and Hubert Dupont are the first riders over the top and on descent Villella, De la Cruz, Meintjes, Bizkarra, Durasek, Padun and Grosschart hook on. The nine race to a lead of 2 minutes.

Underway to Anras the gap falls below 1 minute. George Bennett bridges across to the front group on the climb. Bizkarra and Villella head out together, but it’s all in vain – 21 kms before the line it’s gruppo compatto again.

A little later a large group opens up a gap and they hit the Bannberg with a small lead. Nicola Conci heads out alone, but Koen Bouman counter-attacks. Fabio Aru is trying to jump across with Conci and Bilbao on his wheel. Some 2 kms before the summit Froome, Pinot, Ellisonde, Pozzovivo and López hook on before more riders rejoin.

Pozzovivo attacks on descent and he is accompanied by LL Sánchez and Froome, but it comes together in the valley. Sánchez goes again with 2 kms to go and he holds off Bennett, who tries to bridge across. The Spaniard powers to the win ahead of the Kiwi. Bouwman pockets the group-sprint.