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Natnael Tesfazion powers to victory in a thrilling uphill sprint during stage 4 of the 4 Jours de Dunkerque in Cassel. This win marks his first in two years, crossing the line three seconds ahead of Stan Dewulf (Decathlon CMA CGM).
What follows puts the whole situation in context, as race leader Laurence Pithie (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) battles to maintain his position amid fierce competition.
In a dramatic finale, Tesfazion launched his sprint on the steep rue d’Aire, with Kim Heiduk (Netcompany Ineos) completing the podium. The breakaway formed in the last 15 kilometers, with Dewulf and Heiduk joining Tesfazion as they built a gap. The peloton struggled to organize a chase. With just one kilometer remaining, the escapees held an 18-second lead.
Tesfazion celebrated his win on Eritrea's Independence Day and his birthday, expressing his excitement post-race. Pithie, isolated in the peloton, had to fend off attacks from Liam Slock (Lotto Intermarché), who finished fifth, just two seconds ahead of Pithie. Despite the pressure, Pithie retains the leader's jersey with a seven-second advantage over Tesfazion. As the race heads toward the final flat stage, the stakes remain high.
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