Javier Romo sprints to second place on Coppi E Bartali stage 4
Javier Romo impressed with his sprinting prowess on stage 4 of Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali, where the Spanish neo pro sprinted to second place in San Marino after a tough day of climbing.
A breakaway formed early in the 155-kilometre punchy stage with 11 riders, including Italian Manuele Boaro, going clear and building an advantage of almost four minutes after 30 kilometres of racing.
Race leader Jonas Vingegaard’s teammates controlled the situation and brought Boaro’s group’s advantage down to two minutes after the first climb of the day. Up ahead, the breakaway changed composition multiple times with the climbs, totalling more than 4000 metres of altitude, taking their toll. After the third and final climb of the day, the peloton were on the heels of Boaro’s group and as they reached the first local lap in San Marino, the gap was down to just 30 seconds.
As the bell rang at the start of the final lap, the catch was made and the stage was set for a reduced bunch sprint. Romo, who started the day in sixth place on the General Classification, attacked inside the final two kilometres forcing a selection in the group. Having positioned himself well in the finale, Romo launched his sprint with 300 metres to go and narrowly missed the stage win behind Vingegaard, crossing the line in second place to secure his best result in his debut season with Astana – Premier Tech.
“Today was another day that we have worked very well as a team. It was a tough day and in the final kilometres, I attacked with 1.5 kilometres to go. I started my sprint with 300 metres to go and was in a good position but I was passed by Vingeegard just a few meters before the finish line. My feelings were very good and it was only a matter of a few centimetres for the victory. Tomorrow is another day and we will try again,” said Romo.
Ahead of the final day of racing, Romo has moved into fourth place on the General Classification, 14 seconds behind Vingegaard, and is three seconds off the lead in the youth classification.
Race Profile
Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali
Stage 4: San Marino > San Marino (154.8km)
Top 3: 1. Jonas Vingegaard (Team Jumbo Visma), 2. Javier Romo (Astana – Premier Tech), 3. Nick Schultz (Team BikeExchange)
Astana – Premier Tech top 3: 2. Javier Romo, 20. Rodrigo Contreras, 51. Manuele Boaro
Photo credit: Getty Images