Jan Polanc conquers Etna, Bob Jungels in Giro pink
Despite being left on his own for the last 16km of the 18.1km climb to the summit, Polanc held on to solo over the finish line in just over 4hr 55min
Etna — Slovenian Jan Polanc conquered the prestigious Giro d’Italia fourth stage to Mount Etna on Tuesday as Luxembourg’s Bob Jungels took the pink jersey to keep the race lead with his Quick Step team. Climbing specialist Polanc, who races for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) team, was part of a four-man breakaway that pulled free early in the 181km ride from Cefalu. Despite being left on his own for the last 16km of the 18.1km climb to the summit, Polanc held on to solo over the finish line in just over 4hr 55min. "It was probably the hardest day of my life," said Polanc. And most of the peloton agreed. While locals are used to seeing sparks from the regular eruptions on Europe’s highest active volcano, a tough headwind ended hopes of a stage four duel between defending champion Vincenzo Nibali and Colombian challenger Nairo Quintana. "The climb was difficult with a constant headwind, especially after a long break," added Polanc, who finished 19secs ahead of Russia’s Ilnur Zakarin a...
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