Rui Oliveira third in Wallonie

In the fourth stage of the Tour de Wallonie, 200.89km from Dorbuy to Couvin, Rui Oliveira takes the podium after a long day on the attack.

In a stage dotted with many ups and downs, the Portuguese rider moved early, entering the breakaway made up of six riders who in the first half of the race also gained 7 minutes on the group.

Despite the five côtes, with the last Cote du Barrage du Rui de Rome (5.2km at 3.1%) just 5km from the finish, the group never completely managed to bridge the gap and incorporate the fugitives.

With less than 9km from the finish, the pursuers increased the pace though Oliveira together with three other escape companions next the gap.

The four stayed together until the finish line, playing for the sprint victory.
Here the Portuguese of UAE Team Emirates finished in third position, behind Rojas (Movista Team) and the winner Ballerini (Quick-Step Alpha Vynil Team). with 6th place for Matteo Trentin.

Tomorrow the last stage, 214.8km from La Roeulx – Chapelle Lez Herlaimont, with only one Côte but eight cobbled sectors to tackle.

Oliveira: “I am very happy with this result. It was a long first part of the season, where I couldn’t get good personal results but I made myself available to the team with all my heart. I found myself in this race in good shape with good legs. In the first stage I was unlucky with the jumped chain on the Mur de Huy.
Today, however, it went well with 200 km in the break .
I wanted to win and did the best I could. I feel good and I have very good sensations for tomorrow and the next races scheduled ”.

Results 4th stage Tour de Wallonie:
1.Davide Ballerini (Quick-Step Alpha Vynil Team)
2.José Joaquín Rojas (Movistar Team)
3.Rui Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates)