Almeida climbs general classification in first Giro mountain test

Joao Almeida put in a confident display to climb with the favourites group finishing 10th on the first big mountain test on stage 4 of the Giro D’Italia.

A large breakaway went clear in the opening kilometres with two riders lasting to the line between Avola and Mt.Etna (172km).

The sprint for the win was taken by Lennard Kamna (Bora-Hansgrohe) with Juan Pedro Lopez (Trek-Segafredo) moving into the pink leaders jersey.

Almeida stuck with a heavily reduced group of climbing specialists and moved up several places to place 8th on the General Classification, 2’ off the lead of Lopez.

Almeida: “It was a good and hard day out there. The pace was high, especially on the last climb and the team helped me stay in a good position. We are moving up the GC and the sensations are good so we are looking forward for the next hard days to come.”

Tomorrow the riders stay in Sicily for stage 5 from Catania to Messina (174km).

Stage 4 results

1.Lennard Kamna (Bora-Hansgrohe) 4:32:11
2.Juan Pedro Lopez (Trek-Segafredo) s.t
3.Rein Taaramae (Wanty-Intermarche) +34’’
10.Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) +2’37’’

General Classification after stage 4

1.Juan Pedro Lopez (Trek-Segafredo) 14:17:07
2.Lennard Kamna (Bora-Hansgrohe) +39’’
3.Rein Taaramae (Wanty-Intermarche) +48’’
8. Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) +2’00’’