Chris Froome dug deep to limit his losses on a tough stage four finale as the Giro d’Italia returned to Europe.
The action resumed in Sicily following the opening rest day, with a tough and undulating 202-kilometre run to Caltagirone featuring a testing finale.
Froome crossed the line 21 seconds back on the day’s winner following a hectic final run-in, where the Brit was forced to a near-stop after a hold up with a kilometre to go.
“I’m not worried,” Froome said. “It wasn’t a super finish for me because I wasn’t positioned well in the decisive moment. Today was a very nervous stage, the roads were a little bit dangerous. I’m happy that I’ve passed this day without any problems.”
“I’m optimistic about the days ahead, I generally feel good, feeling better and better after the crash each day, more balanced again after falling heavily on my right side. Now I’m focussed on getting through tomorrow’s stage before Etna.”
“Now he has to make us some time. We are looking forward to this hard week. It’s a nice challenge,” said Froome’s teammate Wout Poels. “Now we have to attack to take back the time, and then even some more. It’s going to be a little bit different. Etna will be the first big test. You cannot win the Giro there, but you can lose it.”
