CANYON//SRAM Racing: Barbara Guarischi in the break on stage four of Boels Ladies Tour

Image: ©Velofocus

Barbara Guarischi has continued to show her strong form in her first race back after injury. Guarischi was part of a 14 rider break on stage four yesterday at Boels Ladies Tour that would stay away until the finish. Sarah Roy (OGE) won the stage while Guarischi was sixth in the sprint to the line.

​Following the race Directeur Sportif Ronny Lauke said the team's goal had been to put a rider in the break. "With the current GC standings and the course profile it pointed to a breakaway stage. We were focused on having someone in it and it was good to see Barbara there. Considering her recovery time since her injury and this is her first race back, she's making the most of every stage."

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The 14 rider breakaway formed early in the 110km stage. Guarischi said the move was not the most coherent. "After the gap got out to two or three minutes then I also did less work in the break. I closed some of the attacks when I thought it was a dangerous situation for me. But in the end it came to a sprint. It was a bit dangerous, I made a mistake and when I found my way again it was too late."

"I'm disappointed because it was a good opportunity for a team victory. I'm pleased though that my arm is getting better every day thanks to our physio staff here at the race. Our opportunities are still open for the last two stages."

The profile of stage five today is similar to yesterday. A 115km flat stage, with narrow roads and the possibility of wind to play a large role. Alena Amialiusik is CANYON//SRAM Racing's best placed rider on the general classification, in fourth position and 47 seconds behind leader Chantal Blaak (DLT). Racing today starts at 13:00 (CEST) and can be followed on the team's Twitter @WMNcycling and using #BRLT16.

by Beth Duryea / duryea@wmncycling.com

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