Cycling-Jakobsen claims emotional comeback victory on Vuelta stage four

Deceuninck NV

17/08/2021 17:14

Aug 17 (Reuters) - Deceuninck–Quick-Step rider Fabio
Jakobsen sprinted to victory on stage four of the Vuelta a
Espana on Tuesday, earning the green jersey for the points
classification in the process.
    Jakobsen finished the strongest in the 164km flat stage from
El Burgo de Osma to Molina de Aragon, and his victory capped an
emotional comeback for the Dutch sprinter, who suffered life
threatening injuries just over 12 months ago in last year's Tour
of Poland.
    "It's a dream come true for me," Jakobsen said. 
    "After the crash it was a long way back, but I'm happy to be
here. It took a lot of time and effort. 
    "I was helped by a lot of other people and this is also
their victory. The doctors, surgeons, and medical staff, the
team, this is also their victory. This is also my family's
victory. They're the reason I'm here."
    The former Dutch national champion pipped Arnaud Demare on
the line in a dramatic finish which also saw overall leader Rein
Taaramae fall off his bike with just over two kilometres to go
after a collision with another rider.
    The Estonian, who rides for Intermarche-Wanty-Gobert
Materiaux, retains his advantage as his accident came within the
final three kilometres of the race, meaning he remains 25
seconds up on second-placed Kenny Elissonde and 30 ahead of
Primoz Roglic, winner of the last two editions. 
    The sprinters will have another chance to claim glory in
Wednesday's 184.4km pan-flat stage five, which goes from
Tarancon to Albacete in Spain's South East.

 (Reporting by Joseph Walker
Editing by Toby Davis)