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No one expected star sprinter Fernando Gaviria to win the first climbing stage of Colombia Oro y Paz. So instead, his Quick-Step teammate Julian Alaphilippe took over to keep the team’s win streak alive in stage 4.
The fast-finishing French climber won ahead of Sky’s Sergio Henao and Movistar’s Nairo Quintana atop Alto Boquerón in El Tambon at the end of a 149.5-kilometer day. Alaphilippe also moved into the overall race lead, four seconds ahead of Henao.
Top 10, stage 4
- 1. Julian Alaphilippe, QUICK – STEP FLOORS, in 03:17:36
- 2. Sergio Luis Henao Montoya, TEAM SKY, s.t.
- 3. Nairo Quintana, MOVISTAR TEAM, s.t.
- 4. Rigoberto Uran, TEAM EF EDUCATION FIRST – DRAPAC P/B CANNONDALE, at :03
- 5. Jhonnatan Narvaez, QUICK – STEP FLOORS, s.t.
- 6. Egan Arley Bernal Gomez, TEAM SKY, s.t.
- 7. Ivan Ramiro Sosa Cuervo, ANDRONI GIOCATTOLI – SIDERMEC, s.t.
- 8. Dany Alberto Osorio Calle, EQUIPO CONTINENTAL ORGULLO PAISA, :08
- 9. Diego Antonio Ochoa Camargo, EPM, s.t.
- 10. Aristobulo Cala Cala, BICICLETAS STRONGMAN COLOMBIA COLDEPORTES, at :11
Top-10 overall
- 1. Julian Alaphilippe, QUICK – STEP FLOORS, in 12:44:06
- 2. Sergio Luis Henao Montoya, TEAM SKY, at :04
- 3. Nairo Quintana, MOVISTAR TEAM, at :06
- 4. Egan Arley Bernal Gomez, TEAM SKY, at :13
- 5. Rigoberto Uran, TEAM EF EDUCATION FIRST – DRAPAC P/B CANNONDALE, s.t.
- 6. Ivan Ramiro Sosa Cuervo, ANDRONI GIOCATTOLI – SIDERMEC, s.t.
- 7. Jhonnatan Narvaez, QUICK – STEP FLOORS, s.t.
- 8. Dany Alberto Osorio Calle, EQUIPO CONTINENTAL ORGULLO PAISA, at :18
- 9. Diego Antonio Ochoa Camargo, EPM, s.t.
- 10. Taylor (t.j.) Eisenhart, HOLOWESKO | CITADEL P/B ARAPAHOE RESOURCES, at :21
With a long run to the 4.7km finish climb, a breakaway of 20 riders spent the day off the front. Notably, GC favorite Rigoberto Uran (EF Education First Drapac) and Gaviria made the move.
With about 20 kilometers left, the peloton reeled in the escape to set up GC hopefuls for the final climb.
The trip up Alto Boquerón wasn’t too selective, averaging 5.6 percent. A group of around 30 riders came in together after Alaphilippe won the sprint for his first victory of 2018.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without this great team and the help of our sports director Davide Bramati, who told me before the start to anticipate on a short downhill section right before the final bend, which I did,” Alaphilippe said.
Saturday’s stage 5 features a similar profile to Friday’s race. After a descent out of Pereira, the peloton will ride a long valley road before the climb to Salento that tops out at 2,000 meters above sea level at the end of the 163.7km route.
“To keep the pink jersey in the team is fantastic, but at the same time, I know that the next two stages will be more difficult,” Alaphilippe added.