The 2024 Volta a Portugal Feminina saw a new leader today as France’s India Grangier clinched victory in the fourth stage from Torres Vedras to Póvoa de Santa Iria. Covering 95.2 kilometres, Grangier crossed the line in 2:27.21 hours, closely followed by Titia Ryo of Arkéa-B&B Hotels and Nicole Steinmetz of Cynisca Cycling, who finished five seconds behind.
Grangier’s initial goal was to secure the mountain points classification. “I attacked to guarantee the mountain jersey, but when I reached the top after the sprint, I looked back and there was no one. So, I continued with two other riders. We managed to catch the front of the race. The Arkéa team had two cyclists, I tried to drop one. We were three to contest the stage, and I won. Now, the time trial remains. I don’t even know what to expect from myself in a time trial,” she revealed.
Grangier now leads the general classification, seven seconds ahead of Titia Ryo and 27 seconds clear of the former leader Francesca Hall of DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK. Daniela Campos, the best Portuguese rider, finished the stage 49 seconds behind, dropping to fourth overall, 38 seconds off the lead.
“Today I was attacked from all sides. My team and I did everything we could, but it wasn’t enough. Tomorrow I’ll start the time trial with the aim of reaching the podium. Anything can still happen,” said Campos, who has now lost the youth white jersey to Titia Ryo.
The stage was characterised by aggressive riding, with multiple breakaways making the race challenging, particularly in the hilly terrain and strong winds of the Oeste region. A significant attack came from Océane Mahé, who broke away 40 kilometres from the finish, at one point holding a lead of over a minute. However, the race dynamic shifted during the third-category climb at Sobral de Monte Agraço, where Grangier’s decisive move took place.
As the race reached its final stretch, the leading group was whittled down to Grangier, Ryo, and Steinmetz, with Grangier ultimately taking the stage win. The chasing pack, including former yellow jersey holder Hall and Campos, trailed in at 49 seconds behind the stage winner.
The race now heads into its final day with a 12.2-kilometre individual time trial in Lisbon. Grangier faces the challenge of defending her slim lead against her closest rivals, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Volta a Portugal Feminina.
2024 Volta a Portugal Feminina Stage 4 result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
