Share

SA's Impey third, Bouhanni sprints to snow-shortened stage win

Igualada - French sprinter Nacer Bouhanni won the fourth stage of the Tour of Catalonia on Thursday after it was shortened by 60km due to snow.

The 26-year-old beat Italy's Davide Cimolai and Daryl Impey of South Africa in a sprint finish as American Tejay Van Garderen maintained his overall lead.

But treacherous conditions on a long descent meant to start the stage resulted in the day's racing being shortened to just 134km.

A short category two climb near to the finish saw the race explode into life as several overall contenders, including France's Romain Bardet and Alejandro Valverde of Spain, attacked in a hope of gaining some time.

And while most specialist sprinters were dropped from the leading group at that stage, Bouhanni hung on before comfortably winning the sprint.

Spain's Samuel Sanchez remains in second place, 41 seconds behind his BMC teammate, while Britain's Geraint Thomas of Team Sky is third at 44sec.

Three-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome is fifth at 49sec.

Friday's 182km fifth stage is likely to be decisive as it finishes with an 8.4km climb to Lo Port de Tortosa at and average nine percent gradient.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE