Ulissi takes podium at Itzulia Basque Country

Diego Ulissi came within inches of taking victory on stage 4 of the Itzulia Basque Country today with 3rd place on the uphill sprint to the line on a day which took the peloton from Vitoria to Zamundio (180km).

The veteran puncheur had the assistance of his UAE Team Emirates teammates as they rallied around Ulissi, taking back the lone breakaway of Victor Lafay (Cofidis) inside the final kilometre to set things up for a sprint finale.

Ulissi was forced to settle for third as Dani Martinez ( Ineos Grenadiers) stormed to victory ahead of Julian Alaphilippe (Quick Step Alpha Vinyl). Primoz Roglic (Jumbo Visma) remains in the yellow jersey as race leader ahead of the mountainous stage 5 from Zamudio to Mallabia (163.8km).

Ulissi : “The guys worked so well in the final to bring the breakaway back. It was set up well for me but unfortunately there were two guys just a bit stronger than me in the end, but that’s how it goes sometimes.
We’re stage hunting for these final days and we want to go away from this race with a victory. For sure we will try again tomorrow.”

 
Stage 4 results

1.Dani Martinez (Ineos-Grenadiers) 4:15:23
2.Julian Alaphilippe (Quick Step Alpha Vinyl) s.t
3.Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) s.t

General Classification after stage 4

1.Primoz Roglic (Jumbo Visma) 14:05:10
2.Remco Evenepoel (Quick Step Alpha Vinyl) +5’’
3.Dani Martinez (Ineos-Grenadiers) +11’’
15.Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) +2’35’’