BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Not even a crash in the final 25 kilometers of the 159km race that is the Tour of Luzon Stage 4 could stop Ivan Anisimov from stamping his mark on Saturday.
Clocking 3:59:41 in a bunch finish, the Russian cyclist topped the stage which started from the Bongabon Town Arch in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija to the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Capitol in Bayombong.
Anisimov negated his crash as he zoomed in the final 500 meters to cross the finish line of the brutal race, enduring three steep climbs on top of the scorching heat of the sun.
“I crashed in the last 25km and I broke my shifters problem. After crash, I feel better,” shared Anisimov.
“I didn’t think about this (injury), I only thought about the finish. Today maybe the best finish in my career.
“I feel good. The last 20km for me is very good. I had good legs, good position for a finish and many points for the team.”
Thirty two (32) other racers clocked the identical 3:59:41 through the “3-second-protocol” including Anisimov’s teammate and compatriot Nikita Shulchenko.
Shulchenko retained the “yellow jersey” or overall lead in the 14-stage race.
“All of my teammates are working for this (me retaining the yellow jersey),” said Shulchenko.
“I made my move about 30 kilometers to the finish line after being behind the peleton initially.”
The Tour continues with its Stage 5 from Santiago City, Isabela to Tuguegarao City, covering a distance of 130.60 km.
