Tour de Taiwan: Etienne Van Empel on the podium fo the 4th stage

Etienne Van Empel was very close to his first professional win in the 4th stage of the Tour de Taiwan.

The dutch rider has offered a brilliant performance in his second race with the team Neri Sottoli - Selle Italia - KTM in the queen stage of the asian stage race.

The canadian James Piccoli caught everyone by surprise with an attack at the last km with the chasers who ended only 1" behind today's winner and with Jonathan Clarke who achieved the 2nd place only at the fotofinish against our dutch rider. In this very selected bunch there was also Lorenzo Fortunato.

The 3rd place of the stage is confirmed also in GC where Van Empel will have to defend his position in tomorrow's last day that offers a chance to the sprinters

Etienne Van Empel: "It was a controlled stage today with Manzana - Postobon setting a high pace until the first intermediate sprint, but the race really started during the ascent of the last KOM. The climb wasn't thatdifficult but the pace was high so every attampt was neutralised fast. I tried once too, I felt good, but I was caught. After the KOM sprint, Team Floyd controlled the race but 1km before the finish Piccoli attacked and I had to sprint for the 2nd place. The result is good and I'm happy of my performance"

STAGE RESULTS

1 James Piccoli
2 Jonathan Clarke
3 Etienne Van Empel

16 Lorenzo Fortunato
64 Simone Bevilacqua 12'42"
68 Giuseppe Fonzi 12'46"
77 Roberto Gonzalez 14'53"
105 Moreno Marchetti 18'59"

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

1 Jonathan Clarke
2 James Piccoli 6"
3 Etienne Van Empel 12"

14 Lorenzo Fortunato 16"
52 Giuseppe Fonzi 13'48"
64 Roberto Gonzalez 19'36"
75 Simone Bevilacqua 35'11"
106 Moreno Marchetti 48'10"

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