Remco Evenepoel secured the victory on stage four of the Adriatica Ionica Race in Cormòns, Italy, today.
The Belgian, who rides for Deceuninck-Quick-Step, completed the 204.5km stage from Padola in 4:50:19, beating compatriot and teammate Philippe Gilbert (+0:02:13). Third, in the same time as Gilbert, was Dutchman Maurits Lammertink (Roompot-Charles).
“Today we had to work for Gilbert,” said Evenepoel.
“On the penultimate climb there was an attack and I was required to follow it, then I insisted and as I saw the gap growing I kept pushing.
“I was close to Fausto Masnada at the top and on the descent I joined him, he didn’t cooperate so I did my best to distance him and I managed to do it. It has been a great day for me, I even improved my GC.”
Mark Padun (Bahrain-Merida), leads the overall standings, with Ben Hermans (Israel Cycling Academy) and James Knox (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) second and third respectively.
“We are one day closer to the final victory,” said Padun.
“Today I too care to not lose time from my most dangerous rivals in the GC and I managed to do it. When I saw Evenepoel attacking in that way, I didn’t even think for a second to chase him. Today he was too strong.”
More results can be viewed below.
Remco Evenepoel won stage four of the Adriatica Ionica Race in Cormòns, Italy, today. Photo: Bettini Photo
Stage four results
1. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Deceuninck-Quick-Step 4:50:19
2. Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Deceuninck-Quick-Step +0:02:13
3. Maurits Lammertink (Ned) Roompot-Charles
4. Ben Hermans (Bel) Israel Cycling Academy
5. James Knox (GBr) Deceuninck-Quick-Step
6. Mark Padun (Ukr) Bahrain-Merida
7. Eduard Prades (Spa) Movistar Team
8. Jan Polanc (Slo) UAE Team Emirates
9. Nicola Conci (Ita) Trek-Segafredo
10. Dayer Quintana (Col) Neri Sottoli-Selle Italia-KTM
*Selected
39. Louis Meintjes (RSA) Team Dimension Data +0:05:47
54. Ryan Gibbons (RSA) Team Dimension Data +0:11:35
General classification
1. Mark Padun (Ukr) Bahrain-Merida 14:56:36
2. Ben Hermans (Bel) Israel Cycling Academy +0:00:06
3. James Knox (GBr) Deceuninck-Quick-Step +0:00:15
4. Jonathan Caicedo (Ecu) EF Education First +0:00:20
5. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Deceuninck-Quick-Step +0:00:46
6. Nicola Conci (Ita) Trek-Segafredo +0:01:17
7. Dayer Quintana (Col) Neri Sottoli Selle Italia Ktm +0:01:42
8. Jan Polanc (Slo) UAE Team Emirates +0:02:55
9. Daniel Muñoz Giraldo (Col) Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec +0:04:25
10. Mikkel Frølich Honoré (Den) Deceuninck-Quick-Step +0:05:50
*Selected
35. Louis Meintjes (RSA) Team Dimension Data +0:35:38
85. Ryan Gibbons (RSA) Team Dimension Data +1:08:45
