Bert Van Lerberghe scored his first top ten of the year.
Martin Svrcek booked a place in the massive group that forged clear soon after the start of stage four, which saw the peloton return on the flat for a last opportunity for the sprinters. It was the biggest breakaway of this edition, numbering a total of 16 riders, and the young Slovak was among the most active riders there, taking some really impressive pulls that helped the move build a two-minute gap in the blink of an eye.
Things precipitated in the final 60 kilometers, when for the third time at this edition, crosswinds hit the peloton, splitting it in two groups, the first of which began pushing so hard that it overhauled the leaders without too much difficulty. In the end, the chasers managed to come back and the race headed to a bunch sprint in Hegra – home to a major archaeological site boasting remains that date from the Nabataean Kingdom – which made its debut at the race.
In a hectic mass gallop, Matteo Malucelli (XDS Astana) took the victory, while the experienced Bert Van Lerberghe concluded the day as the highest-ranked Soudal Quick-Step rider in eighth place – his maiden top ten of the season.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
