Favorites stage 4 Tour of Romandie | Will Ayuso decide the final classification in the last tough mountain stage?

Friday's time trial introduced the initial gaps in the Tour of Romandie standings. Saturday offers what looks like the final opportunity for the general classification riders to make significant time gains and potentially clinch the six-day race. While the stage itself is not exceptionally tough, the top contenders are expected to push the pace and break away from the pack. IDLProCycling.com previews what's to come!

Course stage 4 Tour of Romandie 2024

With the climb to Ovronnaz, the mountain stage begins, and this climb is immediately the toughest of the day. At nine kilometers long with an average gradient of 9.5%, the ascent is very challenging, but the peloton will face Ovronnaz so early in the day that the race will not explode here. The final phase is a series of less difficult climbs, with the two-stage rocket of Les Rives and Les Giettes. This is one of those places where an attack might occur. The final climb to Leysin is a real runner, never becoming very steep, and serves as the battleground for a final battle in the general classification. The riders will arrive here after a little over 152 kilometers.

Climbs
44.7 km: Ovronnaz (9.1 km at 9.5%)
79.1 km: La Rasse (2.1 km at 8.6%)
100.1 km: Les Rives (9.6 km at 5.4%)
106.8 km: Les Giettes (4.1 km at 8.2%)
151.7 km: Leysin (13.4 km at 6.1%)

Times
Start: 11:55 AM
Finish: approximately 4 PM

Weather stage 4 Tour of Romandie 2024

The weather in Switzerland this Saturday promises good conditions for racing. Even at an altitude of 1,300 meters, temperatures will climb above ten degrees. Although the sun will shine faintly, it sets the stage for a spectacular showdown in the scenic Romandie

Favorites stage 3 Tour of Romandie 2024

Saturday presents the second and final opportunity for the climbers. On Thursday, the general classification riders stayed back until the final kilometers, but this Saturday, they won't have that luxury. The series of climbs will be grueling, favoring the strongest climbers. As far as we're concerned, the most likely scenario is straightforward: with their strong teams and excellent form this spring, Juan Ayuso and Aleksandr Vlasov are the clear favorites.

Trailing them are several riders who made significant moves in Thursday's final stretch. Egan Bernal remained vigilant, as were Simon Yates and Lenny Martinez, who also stepped up. Yet, we shouldn't discount Luke Plapp. The Australian Jayco-AlUla rider, who previously showed initiative in Paris-Nice, managed to secure some time on Thursday. Will he manage to keep up this momentum?

Behind these established names, there is a long line of men with a strong chance of making the top ten. UAE has not only Juan Ayuso but also Adam Yates, who has so far been laying low. David Gaudu, Jai Hindley and Enric Mas either have a teammate ahead of them in the standings or a gap to close after Wednesday's time trial.

Representing Bahrain Victorious, Damiano Caruso will use his experience to finish strongly. We're also watching Richard Carapaz of EF Education-EasyPost, while Carlos Rodriguez is expected to be a front-runner for INEOS. Whoever among the long list of riders above has the best legs and can create a gap has a good chance of taking the yellow jersey home!

Who are the favorites for stage four of the Tour of Romandie, according to IDLProCycling.com?

Top favorites: Aleksandr Vlasov (BORA-hansgrohe), Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates)
Outsiders: Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers), Luke Plapp and Simon Yates (Jayco-AlUla), Lenny Martinez (Groupama-FDJ), Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates)
Long shots: David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ), Thymen Arensman and Carlos Rodriguez (INEOS Grenadiers), Enric Mas (Movistar), Jai Hindley (BORA-hansgrohe), Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious), Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal Quick-Step), Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost)