Spaniard Julian Sanchez (Contentpolis-AMPO) won the fourth stage of the Volta a Catalunya today that traveled from La Pobla de Lillet and the ski resort of Vallnord. Sanchez was the only rider of 8 early breakaways to survive.
Today’s queen stage was played out by the GC contenders close behind as young Irishman Daniel Martin (Garmin-Slipstream) tried to escape Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d’Epargne) with an attack on the final climb. But with help from his team Martin’s damage was neutralized with him finishing second 6 seconds off of the winner, and Valverde just 2 seconds behind.
Stage:
1. Julian Sanchez Pimienta (ESP) 4hr 46min 29sec
2. Daniel Martin (IRL) at 06sec
3. Alejandro Valverde (ESP) 8
4. Haimar Zubeldia (ESP) 12
5. Mikel Astarloza (ESP) 21
Overall:
1. Alejandro Valverde (ESP) 13hr 49min 48sec
2. Daniel Martin (IRL) at 15sec
3. Haimar Zubeldia (ESP) 22
4. Mikel Astarloza (ESP) 34
5. Jose Angel Gomez Marchante (ESP) 38