Another stage, another Spanish victory on home soil as Movistar’s Sara Martin outsprinted Lizzie Stannard to take the victory. It’s the first UCI win of Martin’s career, which began at Sopela before joining Movistar in 2021. Overnight leader Tamara Dronova finished 3rd and added a few more seconds to her GC lead going into the final stage tomorrow.
The 4th stage saw 83 riders cover very nearly 91 kilometres from Pizarra to Mijas on a relatively benign stage without no major tests. Movistar worked hard early on to test out the race leader’s support but they were matched by the Israel – Premier Tech Roland team. The first move to get daylight was by Aranza Villalon of Eneicat who got a minute’s advantage until the peloton brought the move back a bit and Agua Marina Espinola of Canyon SRAM Generation was able to bridge across to form a lead pair.
With 25km to go, Sara Martin attacked with Lizzie Stannard going with her. They were able to make it over to the lead pair and formed a quartet that had a lead of 30 seconds going into the final 20km. The chase was being led by Human Powered Health and Laboral Kutxa as they looked to secure their own GC ambitions with the race leader having a rider up the road. Tota Magalhaes was able to bridge over with 10km as well but then a short climb split up the front group. Only Martin and Stannard were strong enough to continue to go clear but their lead was down to just 10 seconds.
It was enough though as the peloton wasn’t able to close the gap without help from 2 of the strongest teams in the bunch. The gap was just 7 seconds at the line, ensuring that Dronova maintains her race lead going into the final day by 46 seconds over Katrine Aalerud of Movistar and 56 seconds on Mie Bjørndal Ottestad.
“I’m absolutely delighted. We’ve battled throughout the entire stage, attempting to make the race tough. Eventually, I managed to break away because I had the energy, and I won the sprint. I’m extremely excited and very pleased with the victory, as well as all the hard work we’ve put in together every day. Last year’s Vuelta a Andalucía women’s tour was very special for Movistar Team and this year we came with a lot of enthusiasm.
We’re enjoying the race immensely. I want to dedicate this victory to my family and the people who have supported me, who are usually by my side and support me through the tough times.”
Sara Martin
