06 Apr 2017
Kwiatkowski fourth in Bilbao
Related riders
Sergio Henao
Michal Kwiatkowski
Michal Kwiatkowski maintained his strong overall position at the Vuelta al Pais Vasco following a combative end to stage four.
Primoz Roglic (Team Lotto NL-Jumbo) emerged victorious on the day following a tense close to the race which saw numerous attacks and counters launched as the race descended into Bilbao.
Sergio Henao also finished safely in the lead group of 25 to maintain his 11 second GC deficit to leader David De La Cruz (Quick-Step Floors) who was also in the elite pack.
The stage was marred with numerous crashes in the peloton, most notably on the final corner which aided Roglic’s charge to the line, but Team Sky riders were fortunately unaffected.
And although disappointed not to win the stage, Kwiatowski was philosophical about the result ahead of the Queen stage of the race.
Michal Kwiatkowski
I was fourth, but had an appetite for more.
He said: “I was fourth, but had an appetite for more.
“Me and Sergio had a lot of luck in the last corner to avoid the crash, but had to do a full stop, grit our teeth and chase to the finish.
“Roglic was unfortunately out of reach. Tomorrow is the Queen Stage, so it's time to save our energy!”
Kwiatkowski safely negotiated stage four's climbs
Gabriel Rasch
We are in a good position for GC and both Sergio and Kwiato are going really well
The Polish rider’s words were echoed by Sport Director Gabriel Rasch who revealed that the crash on the last corner hindered the chase.
He told TeamSky.com: “We were riding for the win, but the Roglic attack was well-timed and everyone was struggling to follow him.
“The crash slowed down Kwiato and delayed Sergio who had to stop, so he finished a little way behind.
“However, we are in a good position for GC and both Sergio and Kwiato are going really well ahead of the Queen stage.”
Stage four result:
1. Primoz Roglic (Team Lotto NL-Jumbo) 4:23:46
2. Michael Matthews (Sunweb) +2
3. Giovanni Visconti (Bahrain-Merida) +2
4. Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky) +2
5. Simon Yates (Orica-Scott) +2
Overall classification
1. David De La Cruz (Quick-Step Floors) 16:38:43
2. Primoz Roglic (Team Lotto NL-Jumbo) ) +1"
3. Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky) +3"
4. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) +3"
5. Patrick Konrad (Orica-Scott) +3
