(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Cyclists compete in the criterium race around Salt Lake City during stage 4 of the Tour of Utah on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019.
Marco Canola of NIPPO-Vini Fantini-Faizanè surged to victory in a thrilling Stage 4 at the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah on Friday.
In a fast and furious circuit race, the Italian claimed his second victory in downtown Salt Lake City in three years, in a time of 1 hour and 56 seconds.
“The director said we have to win today. We have one more chance and we have to take it. We have to ride like a strong team, and we wanted to bring it all together on the last climb. I felt again this great feeling to win here in Salt Lake. It’s really fantastic for me. I like this city. It’s really perfect for me,” said Canola, who had one leg entirely wrapped from a crash on Stage 1.
“Three days ago, I couldn’t think to win again, because I had a big crash, so I’m really, really happy.”
The stage in Salt Lake City covered eight laps of just under seven miles apiece, yet the field came together on a steep ascent inside of a mile to go. James Piccoli surged to the front in search of a win that has eluded him all week, but Canola swept past everyone to pick up the win.
Ben Hermans of Israel Cycling Academy finished ninth and held onto his overall lead by 44 seconds. Piccoli remained in second place.
Hayden McCormick made an embarrassing mistake when he surged to the front at the conclusion of the penultimate lap, then threw his arms in the air in celebration thinking he had won.
The stage Saturday takes riders 80 miles, starting and finishing in Park City.