The fourth stage was also the longest. The riders covered 185 kilometres between Atherstone and Burton Dassett. The route led over rolling roads, with the most challenging section in the finale, where steep climbs followed in quick succession. 

Shortly after the start, a breakaway of four riders was formed. Their lead diminished quickly upon entering the local laps. On the first passage across the finish line, Remco Evenepoel launched an attack. Along with three others, he bridged to the breakaway group, but not long after, the peloton rejoined as well. For general classification leader Kooij, the pace on the climbs proved too high. The two-time stage winner continued at his own tempo. 

Despite numerous attacks, a large peloton reached the final kilometres. In the steep final kilometre, Brennan was not ideally positioned to contend for another stage win. Yesterday’s stage winner fought hard and managed to finish in fourteenth place. He remains second overall. 

Sports director Marc Reef: “Due to the profile of today’s stage, we decided to take a slightly more defensive approach and let other teams control the race. Over the past few days, we’ve used a lot of energy securing stage wins with Olav and Matthew. Today, Matthew had another chance to see how far he could go. Thomas Gloag also rode a strong race. He did an excellent job several times by neutralising attacks from others. In the end, Matthew was just a bit too far back to fight for the win, but he still finished strongly. Tomorrow brings another tough stage with a summit finish. Thomas will have another opportunity to show what he can do there as well.”