2021 Itzulia Basque Country Stage 4 Results & Recap
Stage 4 of the 2021 Itzulia Basque Country is in the books. The final results and standings are below, followed by our recap of how the race unfolded.
Race Recap
Izagirre wins stage 4
Ion Izagirre (Astana-Premier Tech) took victory on stage 4 of the Itzulia Basque Country after outsprinting Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious). Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) took third on the day, which boosted him up into the overall lead with two stages remaining.
“The wind was coming from the front and we were all thinking about the final kilometers, for the sprint," said Izagirre. "Buchmann was the first to attack but Chaves made the good move to make a gap. I waited for Buchmann and McNulty to launch the sprint and I took their wheel. I waited because of the head wind. It was very very tight but luckily I could win and I’m really happy. I truly thought Pello had won. He was coming from behind and he raised his arms so I really thought I had lost. I congratulated him and assumed that I was second. When the soigneurs told me that they were checking the photo finish I wanted to be careful and I didn’t wanted to celebrate. It feels really good after the the time trial. I came here very motivated and to start by losing 1’10” in the TT on the first day was hard to accept. After Alex’s victory, winning again at Itzulia Basque Country feels really good."
“For sure we were aiming for the stage win without thinking too much about the leader’s jersey, but I’m obviously happy with the result today," McNulty said. "I feel good and ready to face the last two stages. Tomorrow could be another tricky stage, while Saturday will be an epic day. We’ll do our best to defend the leaders jersey.”
The American is in the overall lead by 23 seconds over PrimoĹľ RogliÄŤ (Jumbo-Visma). Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) sits third at 28 seconds.\n
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