The 4th stage of the Vuelta a Espana was another where temperatures soared above the 40°C mark.
John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano) would be one of the only sprinters to get over the final cat 2 climb situated just 26km’s from the finish and so, the German won the stage from the small bunch sprint by a country mile. Vicente Reyens (IAM Cycling) was 2nd and Michael Matthews (Orica-Greenedge) was 3rd.
Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung started today with the goal of keeping Sergio Pardilla out of trouble and delivering him to the line with the lead group. The African team were able to do just that as Pardilla crossed the line in a decent 14th position. With this result our Spaniard also moved up to 21st place on GC, 44 seconds down on the race lead.
It was not all plain sailing for Team MTN-Qhubeka today though. Both Louis Meintjes and Jaco Venter punctured at critical times during the race today. Meintjes also took a tumble on the descent of the cat 3 climb. Luckily though, both riders got through their troubles alright as Team MTN-Qhubeka now look forward to tomorrow’s stage.
Tomorrows Stage Profile Overview
Stage 5 – Priego de Córdoba › Ronda, 180km
