Fisher-Black fights to the end in Sicilia

Finn Fisher Black finished-off a strong week of riding and teamwork from his UAE Team Emirates companions by taking 4th place overall and the white jersey at the Giro di Sicilia in Italy today.

The 21 year old Kiwi stole the show on stage 1 to take the stage and leaders jersey which the team would defend throughout the week. Today on the final climb Alexey Lutsenko (Astana) jumped clear solo to nab the stage and overall title on the day from Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto to Giarre (216km).

Fisher-Black,with the experienced help of Rafal Majka fought to keep the gap to the Kazakh in check but could not reduce the deficit.

On the final sprint to the line, having given everything during the race, Fisher-Black conceded seconds which left him just off the podium but with a reaffirming week of racing under his belt.

Fisher-Black: “Overall it’s been a great week. Obviously it would have been nice to step on the final GC podium but if you had told me I’d be coming away with a stage and a white jersey at the start of the week I’d have been thrilled. It’s a result that’s given me a lot of confidence. The boys did a top job supporting me and we’re really looking forward to the next goals ahead.”

 
Stage 4 results

1.Alexey Lutsenko (Astana) 5:29:50
2.Louis Meintjes (Intermarche-Circus-Wanty) +40’’
3.Vincenzo Albanese (Eolo-Kometa) +1’13’’
8.Finn Fisher-Black (UAE Team Emirates) +1’15’’

 
Final Classification

1.Alexey Lutsenko (Astana) 16:55:50
2.Louis Meintjes (Intermarche-Circus-Wanty) +44’’
3.Vincenzo Albanese (Eolo-Kometa) +1’07’’
4.Finn Fisher-Black (UAE Team Emirates) s.t