Italian Matteo Sobrero continued DiData Continental’s winning streak when he won the fourth stage of the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope near Paarl in the Cape Winelands today.
The 20-year-old collected the third stage win in a row for the DiData outfit after Stefan de Bod’s time-trial victory on Tuesday and defending champion Kent Main’s effort on Du Toitskloof Pass yesterday.
In a sprint finish to the 134km stage, Sobrero crossed the line in 3:38:42 to beat Berge en Dale and Ride for Sight champion Reynard Butler (ProTouch) and Clint Hendricks (BCX) for the top podium spot.
Italian Matteo Sobrero of the DiData Continental team celebrates his victory on the 134km fourth stage of the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope, presented by Scicon and the City of Drakenstein, which ended near Paarl in the Cape Winelands today. Photo: Robert Ward
De Bod retains his tight grip on the yellow jersey as the tour heads into its final day tomorrow.
The 491km race, presented by Scicon and the City of Drakenstein, will culminate with the tough climb to the Taal Monument above Paarl.
As his Italian teammate took the accolades, De Bod played a big role in the final outcome.
“Within the last kilometre, with about 500m to go, I was able to lead out Matteo, taking him into the final corner. From there he was on his own and able to keep the gap until the line.”
The Italian, who will complete his stint of racing in South Africa at the Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday, was delighted with the victory.
“This really means a lot to me. It is the first time I have raced here and I have really enjoyed the experience.”
Ariane Luthi (Spur) shrugged off an early mechanical for her third straight stage win to set herself up for a strong shot at the overall title.
Spur’s Ariane Luthi took the top podium spot for the third day in a row on the 134km fourth stage of the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope, presented by Scicon and the City of Drakenstein, which ended near Paarl in the Cape Winelands today. Photo: Robert Ward
Her efforts over the last three days have placed her in prime position for a second title, with a three-minute gap over Lucy James.
Despite suffering a gearing issue, Luthi was able to stay with the peloton until a breakaway formed on Bain’s Kloof.
“Just over the top Catherine Colyn went to the front and I managed to take her wheel as we went hard downhill.
“Carmen and Lucy [James] were able to stay with us and from there we were all committed, creating a gap of just over three minutes.”
Luthi said she used her cornering technique from mountain biking to surge to the front around the final bend and was able to hang on for a fine victory.
