Quintana storms to Tour of Valencia overall lead
Nairo Quintana showcased his fine early season form ahead of a Giro d'Italia-Tour de France double attempt by storming to victory and the overall lead on the fourth stage of the Tour of Valencia on Saturday.
On his 27th birthday, the Colombian Movistar rider was in a class of his own on the winding category one climb to finish the 180km ride from Segrobe to Lucena del Cid. He claimed victory in 5hrs 2mins and 19secs.
Eritrea's Merhawi Kudus was second 40 seconds back with Portugal's Amaro Antunes in third.
Quintana leads BMC duo Ben Hermans and Manuel Senni by 23 and 42 seconds respectively in the general classification with just a flat 130km ride from Paterna to Valencia to come on Sunday.
"The plan went perfectly. We are still seeing how my body is at this stage of the season and today, thankfully, it responded well," Quintana told Movistar's website.
"It is a very special victory for me on my birthday. It is a success that is very calming because it shows we have done great work through the winter."
Overnight leader Greg van Avermaet finished 4mins 44secs back on Quintana to tumble down the overall standings.
Defending champion Wout Poels climbed up to fourth in the general classification thanks to his fourth place finish on the day.