Podium spot for Gaviria as Vuelta heads for the hills

UAE Team Emirates claimed third place on stage 4, with Fernando Gaviria up in the mix on the fast run-in to the line (photo Bettini).

As the race left Cullera a group of two riders broke away and built up a maximum lead of six minutes. This move would be reeled back in as the pack closed in on the final 20km.
Wind would see the peloton stretched as they descended towards the line in El Puig but ultimately it would not split the group.

Fabio Jakobsen (Deceuninck Quick Step) would eventually prove the quickest to the line ahead of yesterdays winner Sam Bennett (Bora-hansgrohe).
Gaviria was initially fourth over the line but promoted to third following the disqualification of Max Walscheid (Sunweb).

Gaviria spoke after the line: “It wasn’t a normal sprint for me as I didn’t feel at my best so wasn’t able to kick as usual. I didn’t have the legs that I normally have but I hope I can improve as the race goes on. I’ll keep trying”.

Aru speaking on the days race and his recovery: “There was a lot of wind in the final, but not enough to break the group. We raced well all day, occupying the leading positions“.

Tomorrow will be a chance for the climbers as the riders set out from L’Eliana with the summit finish at the top of the Cat.1 Javalambre. (170.7km). 

Stage 4 results
1 Fabio Jakobsen (Ned) Deceuninck-Quick Step 4h04’16”
2 Sam Bennet (Irl) Bora-hansgrohe s.t.
3 Fernando Gaviria (Col) UAE Team Emirates s.t.

General classification after stage 4
1 Nicolas Roche (Irl) Sunweb 13h55’30”
2 Nairo Quintana (Col) Movistar 2″
3 Rigoberto Uran (Col) EF 8″
14 Fabio Aru (Ita) UAE Team Emirates 1’08”