The fourth stage of the Ruta del Sol featured a demanding opening phase, with three riders quickly going up the road. However, the breakaway was never given much room to shine, as the teams with a sprinter kept the race firmly under control throughout the day.

In the closing kilometres towards the finish, the Dutch team moved to the front of the peloton, just as they had done in the third stage. With six kilometres to go, Laporte launched a surprise move, riding clear together with, among others, Tim Wellens. Unfortunately, their courageous effort was brought back, leading to a bunch sprint in which Laporte finished fifth and Zingle sixth.

“We had hoped for more today,” said team director Marc Reef honestly. “The plan was to go for the sprint with Christophe, but when Wellens attacked in the finale, Christophe followed him. The guys then did a great job switching their focus to Axel, but unfortunately he hit the front a little too early. Christophe still delivered a strong sprint, but of course we would have liked to take the win.”