Lobato takes 4th place in the Tour de Wallonie sprint
Juan Jose Lobato sprinted to fourth place in the fourth stage of Tour de Wallonie today in Profondeville. The Spaniard of team LottoNL-Jumbo hit the front with 300 metres to go, but couldn’t maintain his lead. Jean-Pierre Drucker shot by in the last metres for the victory.
“It’s too bad I didn’t win, but I see the positives,” Lobato said after the stage. “My team-mates did a great job, they deserve a compliment. We’ll keep fighting for a win.”
A breakaway with six riders worked free at the start of the stage, but they couldn’t go for the win. With 10 kilometres to go, the teams readied for a bunch sprint. With a kilometre left, four team LottoNL-Jumbo riders took control at the front of the peloton. Lobato had a good lead-out, but was unable to profit from it.
Sports Director Addy Engels also sees positive signs: "Juan Jose started his sprint early, but the guys worked together very well. Tomorrow, we've another nice stage coming up."
The last stage of the Tour de Wallonie tomorrow ends with a local circuit in Thuin, where the riders have to climb the Mur de Thuin.
