Costa secures podium spot to end strong week in Limousin

Rui Costa put in a brave performance to claim second place on stage 4 and move into third on the final general classification at the Tour du Limousin.

In an impressive display of teamwork, with 30km to go the whole UAE team took to the front as the gap to the break stood at just over 1 minute.

The gap was quickly eroded and despite a puncture with 26km left to the line, Costa quickly got back to the pack with the help of his teammates and was delivered to the final climb on the lap of the finishing circuit perfectly.

Costa, who was just 5” away from overall victory, put in a punishing attack with 10km to go with just the eventual stage winner, Alessandro Fideli (Nippo-Delko) able to follow the Portuguese champion.

The result tops-off a successful week which saw stage wins for both Fernando Gaviria and Jasper Philipsen bringing the season tally up to 18 wins.

Rui Costa: “The team can be very happy with this week, two stage wins, one for Gaviria and one for Philipsen. Today I came very close to victory myself. My goal was the GC so I emptied myself on until the line. The rider with me was focused only on the stage win so we both had our own objectives.
The point where I made my move the team set me up perfectly. I had a puncture with 20km to go and had to put in an effort but Fernando stopped with me and I managed to get back on quickly. I would have liked the overall victory but can be satisfied with the podium. Now I’ll head for the European championships aiming for another result.”

 
Neil Stephens (Sports Director) : “It’s been a great week. We bounced back after a difficult first day to get a win with Gaviria, then we followed that up on stage 3 with Jasper. Unfortunately Rui Costa just missed out on the overall win but he put in a brave ride and managed to nab a spot on the podium.
I’m really proud of the competitive spirit. Wins are wins but we don’t get anywhere without the team spirit and all binding together, so we’re very proud of the guys this week.”

 
Stage 4 results

1.Alessandro Fideli (Nippo-Delko) 4:02:00
2. Rui Costa (UAE Team Emirates) “
3. Joel Suter (Bingoal-Wallonie Bruxelles) @5’’

Final General Classification

1.Luca Wackermann (Vini-Zabu) 17:22:11
2.Jake Stewart (Groupama-FDJ) @2’’
3.Rui Costa (UAE Team Emirates) @4”