WorldTour
Laurence Pithie second in photo finish at Vuelta a Burgos
Laurence Pithie takes second on stage 4 after a tightly contested sprint finish in Briviesca.
Laurence Pithie came within centimetres of victory on stage 4 of the Vuelta a Burgos, finishing second to Matthew Brennan after a photo finish in Briviesca.
The 178-kilometre stage from Palazuelos de Muñó offered the sprinters their clearest opportunity of the week, although the rolling terrain meant it was rarely completely flat. A three-rider breakaway established an advantage of more than four minutes during the stage, with Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe among the teams contributing to the chase behind.
Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe controlling the break on Stage 4
© Getty Sport
The final escapee was caught with 16 kilometres remaining, setting up a fast run towards Briviesca. The sprint was relatively open heading into the final kilometre, with several teams fighting for position before the first accelerations came from the front.
Pithie timed his effort well and came through strongly in the closing metres, moving past David González and reaching the line alongside Brennan. The result was too close to call immediately, with the photo finish eventually confirming Brennan as the winner and Pithie in second place.
The Vuelta a Burgos concludes on Saturday with the decisive fifth stage and the summit finish at Lagunas de Neila.
