Nat Bromhead
Jumbo-Visma’s Primoz Roglic has decisively taken ownership of the final Grand Tour of the year, the star rider winning Stage 4 of the race.
The 32yo Slovenian becomes the fourth team Jumbo-Visma rider to hold the red leader’s jersey in as many stages in this Vuelta, with team clearly dominating the race in the first week.
“Today things were in my favour and the team has my sincere gratitude for that,” he said after the podium presentation. Everyone has worked hard. The stage win is the finest way to reward that.”
Seemingly happy to wear the Red Jersey so early in the race, Roglic stated he clearly wants to stand on the top step in Madrid in more than two weeks time.
“The Vuelta has only just begun, but I think it’s better to gain seconds now than to ignore them deliberately,” he said. “I am thrilled with this victory.”
“It’s nice that I have this jersey now, but the big goal remains to get on the highest podium step in Madrid,” he continued.
“The atmosphere around the team is very positive. It started with the team time trial victory. We have had some great days. So far, everything is going crescendo.”
The best placed Australian on Stage 4 was Ben O’Connor who finished in the leaders group at 6th position. Jai Hindley was close behind in 10th.
