Tour of the Basque Country 2016: Stage 4 – Stage win Sammy Sanchez, Kelderman new leader

The 4th stage of the Tour of the Basque Country is a spectacle race with six peaks. After the super steep climb up the last ramp at Aia the race explodes in the last kilometres with Kelderman and Contador attacking, while a counter by Sammy Sanchez brings him the stage win. Kelderman is the new leader. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results stage 4 Tour of the Basque Country

1. Samuel Sanchez (spa)
2. Rui Costa (por) s.t.
3. Warren Barguil (fra) s.t.
4. Alexis Vuillermoz (fra) s.t.
5. Sergio Henao (col) s.t.
6. Nairo Quintana (col) s.t.
7. Alberto Contador (spa) s.t.
8. Wilco Kelderman (nld) s.t.
9. Lawson Craddock (usa) s.t.
10. Joaquim Rodriguez (spa) s.t.

20. Mikel Landa (spa) + 0.08

GC after stage 4
1. Wilco Kelderman (nld)
2. Sergio Henao (col + 0.04
3. Mikel Landa (spa) + 0.07
4. Samuel Sanchez (spa) + 0.08
5. Alberto Contador (spa) + 0.11
6. Thibaut Pinot (fra) + + 0.12
7. Rui Costa (por) + 0.14
8. Nairo Quintana (col) s.t.
9. Robert Gesink (nld) s.t.
10. Sebastien Reichenbach (swi) s.t.

11. Joaquim Rodriguez (spa) s.t.
19. Bauke Mollema (nld) + 0.38
20. Fabio Aru (ita) + 0.40

Race report
The pack remains bunched until cresting the Jaizkibel and then Brambilla gets clear. He is accompanied by 12 riders: Wellens, Silin, Herrada, Rolland, Gallopin, Rosa, Molard, Montaguti, Verona, Ulissi, Woods and Denifl. The latter is first to crest both Jaizkibel and Arkale, thus cementing his KOM-lead.

After 65 kms another break away is a fact, this time featuring Wellens, Rolland, Gallopin, Verona, plus Vicioso, Plaza, Petilli, LL Sanchez and Mate. Bakelants, Cummings, Simon, Goncalves, Riblon and Woods bridge the gap 10 kms later.

Wellens, Mate, Vicioso, Verona, Petilli and Riblon are stongest and they race to a 3 minutes lead, the largest advantage for a front group today. When hitting the Garate for the second time it’s down to 2’30” and Vicioso en Petilli are dropped, but in the descent they hook up again. While climbing the Wall of Aia the gain is down to 1 minute. Once again, Vicioso is dropped.

At the last climb up to Aia Verona goes solo, but Wellens counters at the steepest ramp. In the peloton Henao, Contador and Quintana attack and they join the front of the race, without pushing.

In the descent Verona leaves his companions alone and the other favourites re-join Contador et al. With 4 kms left Wellens and Maté hook up with Verona and a little later the bunch grabs them. Kelderman attacks without respite, Contador tries to counter while Sammy Sanchez does. He powers to a tight win.

Kelderman puts 8 seconds into Landa and takes the leaders jersey.