Stage 4 was clearly another short but fierce climb at the end of a punishing stage, one that would sort out the GC guys from the rest - at least by a few seconds. And as expected, Gilbert and Evans were there, their teams making it so by working together in the inevitable chase and final launch. No-one was surprised either to see Contador try to steal some time, although it was a little surprising to see him unable to accelerate into a gap like he usually does. Perhaps the Giro really did take it's toll? Or is he holding back? But in the end it was Evans who had to overcome mechanical adversity, get back to the front and take a gritty win. In so doing he stamped some further authority on himself and his BMC team.
Not forgeting Hushovd's amazing feat in hanging onto the skinny guy's wheels up a wall!
Whilst it's still early days, here's a nice, fair overall analysis by Scott Sunderland from today's SMH:
This time Evans can win, says his spoiler
Not forgeting Hushovd's amazing feat in hanging onto the skinny guy's wheels up a wall!
Whilst it's still early days, here's a nice, fair overall analysis by Scott Sunderland from today's SMH:
This time Evans can win, says his spoiler
''Cadel is a very strong time triallist, and a very good climber - the third asset he's got is his positioning [in the bunch]. And in the stages before the mountains he can still do something. We've seen in the classics that he is a bit above Schleck and Contador there … the only thing he is missing is the accelerating speed and power that Schleck and Contador have in the mountains. If he can be calm and reserved and the team and management can protect him, then in the third week when it comes down to attrition, they won't be able to ride away from him.''
