Stage 4 of Paris-Nice was chaotic, as the weather, luck (and lack of) and short explosive climbs led to tense drama in the French race. Race leader Juan Ayuso crashed and abandon the race before the riders got to the first climb due to heavy winds and rain. Jonas Vingegaard took up the mantle taking the stage win on a steep summit finish which saw him jump into the race lead.
Vingegaard with his winning extra layer
Jonas Vingegaard had extra help in combating the brutal weather with his bib straps on his shoulders outside of the Visma jersey the Dane offered just how tough the conditions were…
“We expected a crazy day, but not that crazy. We had a plan, we wanted to attack on the penultimate climb, but it was full-on racing from the start. There wasn’t even time to take off any clothes. Maybe you could call me a trendsetter, with my long pants. I just didn’t have time to take them off.
The wind was blowing from the shore right from the start. Some riders fell behind. Later, many riders got cold, I didn’t freezer because I was wearing a lot of clothes. That might have been why I couldn’t take them all off. But yes, the rain will also have had a significant impact on the race.”
-Jonas Vingegaard
“I’ve ridden many stages, but not like this.”
-David Gaudu, Fifth on GC.
Look Back…
Laurent Fignon winner of stage 4, 1983 Tirreno-Adriatico into Aquaviva-Picena
Tobias Lund Andresen (Decathlon CMA CGM) continues his fine start of the season, beating some of the world’s best sprinters on stage 3 of Tirreno-Adriatico. This marks Lund Andresen’s third victory of the season after he won a stage at the Santos Tour Down Under , as well as the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
“My plan was to do a long sprint. The legs were cold with not effort, so a long sprint normally everyone can do the same when you’re really cold. So, I just wanted to be there first. With how big the race is, it’s one of the biggest races of the year, so to take a win here is amazing. It’s been unbelievable so far. I probably didn’t even believe myself that I could take such a big step this year, but it just keeps on giving and my team is so amazing.”