The fourth stage featured a hilly profile. The summit of Nettle Hill, a steep climb of a few kilometers, was situated 20 kilometers from the finish line. For the GC contenders and riders eyeing the stage win, it was crucial to stay alert.

Both Brennan and Gloag managed to do so, staying with the top 20 riders. The pace in the peloton was so high that no attacks could materialize. In the final kilometers, a mass sprint became inevitable. Brennan tried to position himself at the front, but ultimately, his efforts were in vain. The young rider finished 20th in the stage, crossing the line in the same time as stage winner Bryan Coquard. Menno Huising, Tijmen Graat, and Gloag also finished in the same group, with Gloag maintaining his 15th place in the overall classification.

“I had a good day,” Brennan admitted after the stage. “On the climb, I managed to crest with the best. We came over the top with a group of about 20 riders, and there were some gaps behind us. Unfortunately, a few of our teammates couldn’t make the connection. In the final kilometers, the speed was so high that I wasn’t able to move up any positions. Nevertheless, it was another solid day. I think that goes for the whole team as well.”

The young sprinter looks ahead to tomorrow’s stage, which finishes on Willunga Hill. “We still need to finalize our strategy, but we’re aiming for a strong performance. With Thomas, we have someone in good form, and he’s definitely set his sights on tomorrow’s stage. It’s up to me and the rest of the team to support him in that. We’re going to give it everything we’ve got,” concluded the 19-year-old Brennan.