Dunbar impresses in Provence

17 Feb 2019

Dunbar impresses in Provence

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Tour de La Provence stage 4: Avignon – Aix-en-Provence, 162.2km

Eddie Dunbar produced another superb attacking performance on the final day of racing in France, and despite being caught inside the final kilometre the Irishman cemented seventh place overall.
 
The Team Sky rider launched a stinging acceleration on the final La Cride climb, pushing clear of the peloton with just David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) locked onto his wheel.
 
Despite both riders standing to gain from the move, Dunbar was forced to work almost entirely on his own across the final 13km into Aix-en-Provence.
 
The pair were finally swallowed up by a reduced pack with around 800 metres to go, with Dunbar hanging on to retain his overnight GC position.
 
Earlier stage one winner Filippo Ganna did well to make his way into the day’s six-man break. The Italian rode hard and as the group were caught Dunbar immediately made his move.
Brett Lancaster

Brett Lancaster

It was quite a young team and we raced really well this week together. The boys really committed.
Reaction

- Brett Lancaster

"Eddie had a real dig at the end today. Unfortunately Gaudu didn’t ride with him but it is what it is. Every team has their own tactics but it just didn’t work out in the end. But the boys rode fantastic.
 
"Ganna kicked off the week on a high note in the time trial and then we carried it through. It was quite a young team and we raced really well this week together. The boys really committed. We had a huge day on the front on stage two and it’s all good building blocks for the rest of the season. 
 
"We got through without any accidents and had some nice weather. All in all it’s been a very nice race. It’s the first time we’ve done it as a team. All credit to the organisers of a new and impressive race."
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The battle for the general classification came right down to the final sprint, with Gorka Izagirre (Astana) narrowly holding on to the overall victory by less than a second.

Ride of the Day
 
For Dunbar an attacking finish to the event provided a strong end to a great first race of the year. The Irishman is clearly carrying good form as he heads into the Volta ao Algarve next week.
 
Stage four result:

1. John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo) 3:52:11
2. Simon Clarke (EF Education First) s.t.
3. Anthony Maldonado (St Michel-Auber93)
4. Tony Gallopin (Ag2r-La Mondiale)
5. Damien Touze (Cofidis)
13. Eddie Dundar (Team Sky)

Overall standings:

1. Gorka Izagirre (Astana) 13:18:06
2. Simon Clarke (EF Education First) s.t.
3. Tony Gallopin (Ag2r-La Mondiale) +1"
4. Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) +2"
5. Rudy Molard (Groupama-FDJ) +10"
7. Eddie Dunbar (Team Sky) +15"