CAMBRIA, Calif. — Will Routley of Canada surprised the favored sprinters by winning Stage 4 of the Tour of California on Wednesday, and Bradley Wiggins of Britain retained his race lead for the third day.
CAMBRIA, Calif. — Will Routley of Canada surprised the favored sprinters by winning Stage 4 of the Tour of California on Wednesday, and Bradley Wiggins of Britain retained his race lead for the third day.
Routley (Optun-Kelly Benefit), a former national titlist who was part a six-rider, early race breakaway, completed the 102.6-mile Monterey to Cambria road race in 3 hours, 48 minutes, 37 seconds.
American Gregory Daniel (Bissell Development) was second and Kevin De Mesmaeker (Team Novo Nordisk) of Belgium was third.
Wiggins (Sky) finished 77 seconds behind the stage winner. He increased his lead to 28 seconds over Rohan Dennis (Garmin-Sharp) of Australia.
The fourth stage took the field along the Pacific Coast. The leaders broke from the field early and maintained their advantage throughout the day.
Ulissi wins 5th Giro stage; Matthews keeps lead
VIGGIANO, Italy — A fantastic final burst from Diego Ulissi helped the Italian cyclist win the fifth stage of the Giro d’Italia on Wednesday, while Australian rider Michael Matthews retained the overall leader’s pink jersey.
Ulissi came from behind with 150 meters to go to cross the line solo, with his arms raised high in celebration at the end of the 203-kilometer (126-mile) leg from Taranto to Viggiano.
Cadel Evans was second, with Julian David Arredondo Moreno third, in a group which crossed a second behind Ulissi in the first uphill finish of this year’s Giro.
Weather again played a part, with wet and windy conditions, although there was sunshine on the 5-kilometer (3-mile) climb to the finish.
The Giro ends in Trieste on June 1.