It was a case of double celebration for Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates as the Slovenian took stage 4 of Tirreno Adriatico and moves into the overall lead for the General Classification.
On the uphill arrival of Prati di Tivo (14.7 km at 7%), an attack at 7.5 km from the finish and another dig at – 6 km allowed Pogačar to hold off Simon Yates (+6 “, Team BikeExchange) and Sergio Higuita (+29”, Ef-Nippo), as well as jumping to the top of the general classification with a 35 ”advantage over Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma).
UAE Tour champion, Pogačar, also leader in the young rider classification and in the mountain classification, made his move in the middle of the ascent. First to react was Egan Bernal (Ineos-Grenadiers) followed by the group of the main climbers. Pogačar, after catching his breath, jumped again just after the town of Pietracamela and this time no opponent was able to reach the UAE Team Emirates prodigy.
Pogačar: “I tried to attack to stay alone and be able to set my pace. When I saw that the advantage over my opponents was good, I pushed really hard to try and keep the gap, also because I knew Yates was coming close. I gave it my all and managed to win.
As far as the general classification is concerned, every second advantage is precious, also because tomorrow a very difficult stage awaits us and, also because of the final time trial, the fight for the victory will be balanced”.
Wearing the blue jersey of the leader of the classification, Pogačar will face the 6th stage starting from Castellalto and arriving in Castelfidardo, 205 km with a tough second half of the stage.
Stage 4 results:
1. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) 3h51’24”
2. Simon Yates (Team BikeExchange) +6″
3. Sergio Higuita (EF-Nippo) +29″
General classification after stage 4:
1. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) 17h53’21”
2. Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) +35″
3. Sergio Higuita (EF-Nippo) s.t.
