Vuelta a Andalucia Women: Sara Martin strikes for Movistar
Sara Martin (Movistar) won stage 4 of the Vuelta a Andalucia Women, surging away from Liz Stannard (Israel Premier Tech Roland) on the rising finish in Mijas.
The two emerged from a four-rider break in the final 25km of the rolling ride to Mijas and just held off the peloton.
Tamara Dronova-Balabolina (Israel Premier Tech Roland) finished third at six seconds and so retained the overall race lead before Sunday’s final stage to Castellar de la Frontera. Dronova-Balabolina is now 47 seconds ahead of Katrine Aalerud (Movistar Team) and 58 seconds ahead of Mie Bjørndal Ottestad (Norway).
“I'm so, so happy. We fought so hard over the whole stage, trying to make a hard race which favoured our chances," Martin said.
"I was finally able to open that gap with the four-rider group, I had the legs, and then went on to escape with Stannard and beat her into the sprint.
I'm so emotional about this, and so happy about the win. This pays back for all the work we've been doing together this week. Last year's Vuelta a Andalucía was so special for the Movistar Team, and we were aiming at victories again in 2023. We're enjoying this race so much. I want to dedicate this victory to my family and the people who have supported me, been around me - especially in tough times."
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