Silvia Persico wins Stage 4 at Madrid Challenge as Anna Kiesenhofer’s 160km solo mission denied

Silvia Persico (Valcar-Travel & Service) won Stage 4 at the Madrid Challenge as Anna Kiesenhofer (Soltec Team) came within a whisker of a thrilling gun-to-tape victory. Kiesenhofer formed a one-woman breakaway from the off and, such was her impressive pace, moved into the virtual red jersey ahead of Annemiek van Vleuten (Movistar) after opening up a 9’40” gap on the peloton.

Ad Her advantage sparked memories of her victory in the Tokyo Olympics road race, when she rode unopposed to a shock victory as Van Vleuten crossed the line in second with her arms aloft – only to discover her rival had finished more than a minute earlier. Ceratizit Challenge by La VueltaBrown times sprint to perfection to win Stage 3A DAY AGO The overall lead was never likely to change hands, however, and attention soon turned to the stage win as Van Vleuten sent her Movistar team-mates into action to reduce the deficit.

Kiesenhofer looked she might hold on but faded badly in the final 10km, eventually being caught at the flamme rouge as a group of favourites sailed by. Van Vleuten launched first for victory before Persico timed her sprint to perfection to take a convincing win on the cobbles.

More to follow. — — - Stream La Madrid Challenge live and on-demand on discovery+.

You can also watch all the action live on eurosport.co.uk. Ceratizit Challenge by La VueltaBrown wins Stage 3 showdown as Van Vleuten defends red with easeYESTERDAY AT 17:37 Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta'Phenomenal' — Van Vleuten crushes competition to win Stage 208/09/2022 AT 18:36