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Ethan Vernon Dominates Willunga Sprint as Jay Vine Holds Overall Lead

Ethan Vernon delivered a commanding sprint victory on High Street in Willunga today, outsprinting a competitive field to take a clear win as Jay Vine retained the race lead in the general classification.

Ethan Vernon Dominates Willunga Sprint as Jay Vine Holds Overall Lead

The stage saw bold attacks, a decisive breakaway effort, and a late crash that forced second-placed Jhonatan Narváez to abandon the race.

Briton Ethan Vernon powered to the finish, opening several bike lengths on Tobias Lund Andresen and Laurence Pithie to claim the stage. Early in the day, Matthew Greenwood and KOM leader Martin Urianstad Ugge launched an aggressive move, attempting to force a selection on the slopes. Their effort failed to stick initially, but Greenwood later regrouped with Rémi Cavagna and Luke Plapp to form the day’s decisive break. The trio worked together to claim mountain points across the climbs, with Urianstad Ugge ultimately securing the mountains classification through consistent aggression.

Not long after the break formed, defending champion Jhonatan Narváez suffered a crash and was unable to continue, bringing a sudden end to his challenge for the overall podium. Race officials attended the scene and Narváez was withdrawn on medical advice. The incident reshaped the dynamics of the final laps, but did not prevent the bunch from reeling in the escapees. Cavagna was the first of the three to be caught on the closing circuits, followed shortly by Greenwood and Plapp, setting up a reduced bunch sprint on the iconic High Street finish.

In the final dash, Vernon proved unbeatable, timing his effort perfectly and launching with speed and confidence that left rivals chasing. Jay Vine’s consistent defense across the stage ensured he kept the leader’s jersey, maintaining his advantage in the general classification heading into the coming stages. The result cements Vernon’s reputation as one of the fastest finishers in the race and keeps the overall battle finely poised after a dramatic stage.

“We came in with a clear plan and the team executed when it mattered,” said Ethan Vernon. “The finale was fast and chaotic, but I felt strong and waited for the right moment to go. It’s great to win here in Willunga, and we’ll keep pushing for more in the next stages.”

VIDEO: 2026 Tour Down Under Stage 4 Highlights

2026 Tour Down Under Stage 4 Top 10

1. Ethan Vernon (gbr) 2:56:30
2. Tobias Lund Andresen (den) s.t.
3. Laurence Pithie (fra) z.t
4. Brady Gilmore (aus) s.t.
5. Aron Gate (nzl) s.t.
6. Edoardo Zambanini (ita) s.t.
7. Samuel Watson (gbr) s.t.
8. Anton Charmig (den) s.t.
9. Andrea Raccagni Noviero (ita) s.t.
10. Pierre Gautherat (fra) s.t.

2026 Tour Down Under GC after Stage 4

1. Jay Vine (aus)
2. Mauro Schmid (swi) + 1:03
3. Harry Sweeny (aus) + 1:12
4. Marco Brenner (ger) + 1:14
5. Andreas Kron (den) + 1:16
6. Andrea Raccagni Noviero (ita) + 1:19
7. Michael Leonard (can) + 1:22
8. Anthon Charmig (den) + 1:23
9. Filippo Zana (ita) s.t.
10. Matteo Sobrero (ita) + 1:27

 
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