After a grueling but enthralling sprint finish in Baza yesterday, Wout Poels had put himself in a perfect situation to come home with the overall victory. The 146.4km journey from Huesa to Chiclana de Segura followed a similar pattern to the beginning of Stage Four with a large breakaway of riders, whilst members of Bahrain Victorious positioned themselves well in the peloton behind.

Coming into the day with a slender lead in the General Classification, Poels was smart and calculated in making sure that efforts from those closest around him were in vain – with excellent teamwork from the remaining riders of Bahrain Victorious.

The reigning Vuelta a Andalucía champion Miguel Ángel López was 10 seconds behind Wout Poels after Stage Four and it was apparent that he would try to make headway toward the later sections of the race – with his eyes set on the seven kilometer climb at the tailend.

As both mileage and time began to run out, López started to gain those valuable seconds he desperately needed for the GC, and so with a couple kilometers left in the town of Chiclana de Segura, he pushed on. Poels however was wary of López’s attack and in turn closed the newly-created gap and kept the famed yellow jersey.

Speaking to us, Wout said: “Really happy how the stage went today and how we could defend the jersey. Nice feeling to start the season with two wins, which gives a lot of confidence for the rest of the season! Thanks to all the support and see you all in Paris-Nice.“