The Italian rider impressed in the mountains
Matteo Sobrero produced one of the standout rides on stage four of the Tour of the Alps, finishing in second place after an impressive show of strength. On the toughest day of the race with over 4000 metres of elevation gain, Sobrero climbed with the group of general classification favourites, positioning himself well when the race split on major ascents.
Despite the brutality of the Queen stage, the Italian rider approached the final with extreme composure, biding his time and marking key attacks from the peloton. He conserved energy until the final 10-kilometres of racing when he followed a move made by Federico Iacomoni of Team UKYO. The pair built a significant gap on their rivals behind and worked well together to try and catch the lone leader, Lennart Jasch of Tudor Pro Cycling. Sobrero drove hard on the front with power and determination, maintaining a high tempo all the way to the finish.
Inside the closing kilometres, the Italian rider had the gap to Jasch within 10 seconds but unfortunately ran out of road before the catch was made. However, his podium spot means that Sobrero is in the jersey for the best Italian rider at the Tour of the Alps following an intelligent, aggressive race and strong climbing performance. Derek Gee also finished in the front group of GC favourites in 15th place with one stage remaining tomorrow.
Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images
In Matteo's words
It was a tough day, it was the Queen Stage and we started really hard. All day was really fast paced and I tried to take the moment in the last part when the GC guys started to look at each other. I tried to anticipate and close the gap to the guy in front. I gave it my all and I’m satisfied with the day – chapeau to the guy in front, he did a really strong ride. I’m happy.
