ProTeam Jarno Widar impresses with second place on stage four of the Vuelta

Many had predicted beforehand that there would be little anyone could do against Tadej Pogacar in today’s first real mountain stage of this Vuelta a España. Halfway up the Collada de Beixalis, the world champion made his move and was gone. Behind him, however, the battle was on to complete the podium in Andorra. Among the select group were Primoz Roglic, Sepp Kuss, Enric Mas, Felix Gall, Oscar Onley, Gregor Mühlberger and… our very own Jarno Widar. And Widar impressed, proving the fastest in the sprint for ‘best of the rest’.

“I felt pretty good,” a happy Widar said at the finish. “It took me a little while to find my rhythm. Pogacar accelerated, as expected, and then I had to find a good pace in the chasing group. It wasn’t easy; I struggled on the Coll d’Ordino. Luckily, I knew the final two shorter climbs would suit me better than those long ascents, so I was confident things would fall into place. I knew that in the sprint I had to come from behind with speed into that sweeping corner, and it worked out.”

Still only 20 years old, Widar takes an impressive second place behind Tadej Pogacar in his very first Grand Tour. “I’m proud of myself. And above all, I’m honoured to be riding among those guys. This is a childhood dream. I’m not a pure climber. I’m more of a puncheur, and despite my light weight, I still have a good sprint in my legs.”

Widar moves up to ninth place in the general classification, 4 minutes and 6 seconds behind leader Pogacar. “I’m taking it day by day and I’m not targeting the GC here. I’d absolutely love to get another result like this if I’m feeling good. Pogi is the best rider in the world, so it’s normal that he wins comfortably. But to finish second behind him surprises me a little. I’m very proud.”

Tomorrow, the riders face another hilly stage between Falset and Roquetes.

Picture: PhotoNews