Israel – Premier Tech Roland’s impressive run at the Vuelta Ciclista Andalucia continued on stage 4 with Lizzie Standard finishing second from the breakaway and race leader Tamara Dronova sprinting to third place in the group behind.
Today’s result marks the fourth day in a row that IPTR has been on the podium after Dronova’s back to back stage wins and second yesterday, and after stage 4, her overall lead has been extended to 46 seconds ahead of the final stage.
There had been plenty of attacks throughout the day but it was at 20 kilometers to go when Stannard found herself in a 4-rider breakaway. The group was caught by the bunch but a few kilometers later Stannard was on the attack again, this time going away with Sara Martín (Movistar) who would go on to edge Stannard out of the win.
“We were both working pretty hard and I had Tamara in the group behind in the yellow jersey so it was a double safety net. I just didn’t have the legs for the end after my ride yesterday I guess, I did a lot of work. We were speaking a bit but it went uphill a lot at the end so I think the bunch would have been coming fast from behind at that point. I’m really happy to be here supporting Tamara and hopefully we can keep the jersey tomorrow and get an another stage win as she really deserves to win this race and I am really proud to work for her,” explained Stannard.
Once again, Dronova proved her strength to sprint to another podium place and secure bonus seconds towards her General Classification lead.
“It was a really good situation to be in because I really hoped Lizzie could win the stage. But I think she worked really hard yesterday and now her legs are still strong but with a bit less power because yesterday we were chasing the breakaway in the finale. I am also really happy, it might not be the win, but it was second and third place and we saved the yellow jersey for tomorrow, and also the points classification. I hope tomorrow we can defend this jersey,” said Dronova.
As has been the case all week, Dronova praised her teammates.
“Today was a really hard day because Movistar attacked a lot so every five or so kilometers, Movistar tried for the breakaway. But every time, my teammates and I were there so a big thank you to Maggie and Alice, they worked really hard and it was really nice. I am really happy. Tomorrow will be the final chance and we will try to make something out of it.”
