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Nusantara Pro Cycling Team at Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen 2024 – Stage 4 Recap

Nusantara Pro Cycling Team at Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen 2024 – Stage 4 Recap
Stage 4: The Decisive Battle

The race is far from over. Stage 4 of the Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen 2024 was pivotal for all participants, especially with Imam holding both the yellow and red jerseys after the results of Stage 3. The team prepared meticulously, understanding the responsibility of taking control in this crucial stage. With the KOM and Points Classifications still wide open, everything was discussed, from race plans to possible contingencies.

The Queen Stage Unfolds

Stage 4, a 162.8 km queen stage featuring an HC Category Climb, was action-packed right from the start. Riders were eager to break away, and the peloton allowed four riders to escape after just 8 km, before the first KOM point in Pesucen. Recognizing the threat, our team swiftly took charge, placing Herlangga and Ridwan at the front to manage the time gap, which peaked at over 4 minutes. Ridwan's impressive effort in reducing the gap was crucial, leaving only one rider ahead 25 km before the finish on the slopes of Kalibendo.

The Battle for the Yellow Jersey

The yellow jersey remained the main target, and the team fought fiercely to retain it. Rival teams Kinan, Roojai, Terengganu, and St. George, all with strong GC contenders, bided their time for the final climb in Ijen. Potential GC challengers like Thomas Lebas, Benjamin Prades, Van Angelen Adne, and the Eritreans, Merhawi Kudus and Metkel Eyob, ramped up the competition 10 km before the finish in the Gantasaan area leading to the Erek-erek climb.

As the three leading riders increased their pace in the toughest climb segment, our team was left with only three riders in the main group: Astnan, Ilham, and Imam. Despite a valiant effort, we had to concede the yellow jersey in Stage 4. However, Astnan's 13th place finish earned him the fastest Indonesian Rider classification for Stage 4, and Imam successfully maintained the Red Jersey for Best Indonesian Rider.

Looking Forward

Though the yellow jersey slipped from our grasp, the team's performance in Stage 4 was commendable, showcasing resilience and strategic acumen. We continue to push forward with determination, aiming for success in the remaining stages.

Stay tuned to CCN Sport for more updates and in-depth coverage of the Nusantara Pro Cycling Team's journey!

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