Edward Theuns took his first podium of the season at the sprint finish in Trieste. The Belgian sprinter outgunned Sacha Modolo in the race for the line to take second position, with the stage honors going to Álvaro Hodeg.
Initial reports suggested that Theuns had taken the third spot in the sprint, however after reviewing the photo finish, he was awarded second place.
After hailstorms earlier in the week, Stage 4 continued the trend of inclement weather with rain falling heavily on the peloton. They faced a 103.5km route which finished with one local circuit in Trieste, so the sprinters were familiar with the run in to the finish. The day’s breakaway was brought back with little over 15km to go, setting up the stage for a bunch sprint.
Theuns was pleased with his podium finish: “I’m happy – the team did a good week already, working well with Conci going very strong. Today the goal was to keep his spot in the GC and try to win the stage with me. In the end, it almost worked out perfectly. Markel and Mads did an amazing job in the earlier parts of the final and Alex Frame and Alex Kirsch helped a lot on the local lap.
“Alex Frame brought me really well towards the last kilometre and I could take the final corner in 4th position. I think I did a really good sprint coming out of the wheel of Modolo, but I couldn’t make up the second bike length to Hodeg. But still, I’m happy to be up there and to do a good sprint.”
I don't get so many opportunities so it's important to use them.
Away from the stress of the bunch sprint, the general classification was wrapped up today with Mark Padun (Bahrain-Merida) taking the win. Our young Italian, Nicola Conci, finished 5th overall in the race, which was mostly decided by the second stage which finished with a tough summit finish.
Nicola Conci in the White Best Young Jersey.
