Enrico Battaglin finished sixth in the Vuelta a Espana’s second summit finish to San Andrés de Teixido, stage four, today. The Italian LottoNL-Jumbo rider formed part of a big breakaway, but wasn’t able to follow stage winner Lilian Calmejane (Direct Energie) in the final part of the stage. Darwin Atapuma (BMC Racing Team) is the new overall leader. Steven Kruijswijk lost 34 seconds on the group with the overall favourites on the final climb.

“We were a little bit unsure about Steven Kruijswijk’s shape after yesterday’s stage,” Sports Director Jan Boven said. “Today, it was less steep and less explosive, but at the beginning of the climb, they gave it all. That’s where Steven had difficulties, but he took it easy and focussed on the climb.”

“I felt better than yesterday,” Kruijswijk added. “That’s a positive thing. I didn’t expect to stay with the best today, but it wasn’t bad at all. If I keep on improving like this, I might be able to reach the level I aimed for in this Vuelta.”

Good legs

Battaglin fought for the stage victory. “It was a hard day,” the he said. “It was a tough stage. I did the best I could on the final climb. My legs are feeling good and I’m confident with my performance. Tomorrow should also be an interesting day for me.”