“It is very nice to win here,” Piganzoli looks back. “The plan was to go full gas from the start in today’s time trial, and it is great to finish with this result. When I had the fastest time at the intermediate split, I knew I could compete for the win, even though the technical second part was more suited to the specialists.”

After a strong team performance in the third stage of the Tour de Luxembourg, which saw Piganzoli take the leader’s jersey, the important time trial was on the programme today. While Andrea Raccagni Noviero had set the fastest benchmark time of 26:52, Graat and Piganzoli took to the course towards the end of the time trial.

Graat, who started the day ninth in the general classification, rode a strong time trial in 27:59. Piganzoli, who was the final rider to start as the race leader, once again showed his good form. The 24-year-old Italian recorded the fastest time at the intermediate split and never surrendered his advantage, securing his third victory of the season and further extending his lead in the general classification.

Tomorrow, the riders face a tricky final stage, in which the climber hopes to defend his lead in the general classification. “I have a lot of confidence in the team and in myself. Tomorrow will be another tough stage, but we are ready to defend the leader’s jersey.”