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Hard day in Tirreno-Adriatico

March 13, 2010 - Filed under: TestTeam

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Michele Scarponi (Androni Giocattoli) won the fourth stage of Tirreno Adriatico today to take the overall lead and defend his title as last year's overall winner. Scarponi broke away from the main peloton on the final climb to the finish, and surged past the original break of seven riders to take a decisive victory, 14 seconds ahead of the second place finisher, Benoit Vaugrenard (FdJ).

"Today we had early breakaway with seven riders. The maximum advantage they took was 8 minutes 30 seconds, so we stayed calm," said Jean-Paul van Poppel. "It was a hard day; a lot of snow on the road and after 70 km, we also got rain. It was a long stage at 243 km. The main goal was to follow over the climbs and see what we could do in the final. Today Roger Hammond managed well and stayed close to Thor and Gabriel Rasch was close behind. After a few day of not having the success we wanted, I think on this stage we are seeing that the boys are getting into good shape and we are looking forward to the next days, especially to the last day and to the Classics, which start after this."

Stage 4 : San Gemini - Chieti (243 km)
1. Michele Scarponi (Androni) 6:23:48
2. Benoit Vaugrenard (Française des Jeux) 0:00:14
3. Leonardo Bertagnolli (Androni) s.t.
4. Stefano Garzelli (Acqua e Sapone) s.t.
5. Rigoberto Urán (Caisse d'Epargne) s.t.
63. Thor Hushovd (Cervélo TestTeam) 0:06:10