Sonny Colbrelli wins fourth stage of Dubai Tour as Elia Viviani retains blue jersey

Sport360 staff 15:41 09/02/2018
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  • Italian Sonny Colbrelli won Friday’s fourth stage of the Dubai Tour in an uphill sprint finish as compatriot Elia Viviani maintained the overall lead.

    Colbrelli surged clear on the finish to Hatta Dam ahead of Dane Magnus Cort Nielsen and Timo Rodsen of the Netherlands after lone escapee Brandon McNulty was hauled in shortly before the finish.

    The 19-year-old lost a 45-second lead on the short final climb at the end of the 172km stage.

    Viviani finished sixth on the stage and now leads Cort Nielsen by two seconds overall with Colbrelli third at 4sec.

    Stage winner Colbrelli said: “I really wanted to win today because the team has been working for me since day one. I was close yesterday.

    “The last 50 metres looked to me like an infinity. This victory means a lot for my team and is very important for my morale. Even without being the favorites, we raced as a team like leaders. ”

    Viviani said: “The race isn’t over yet. Two seconds advantage over Cort Nielsen isn’t much, considering how strong he is… but we have a strong team.

    “It was the case again to close the gap on the breakaway riders. I’m happy with the result because the goal was to defend the Blue Jersey. I think I couldn’t do more than this.

    “I just have to do my best sprint tomorrow to win the Dubai Tour and possibly another stage.”

    The Tour ends with Saturday’s 132km fifth and final stage.

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