Tour of Guangxi 2023: Vader celebrates debut victory and takes overall lead

Vader proved that Jumbo-Visma also has a second suit. On the 161-kilometre stage from Nanning to Nongla, the 27-year-old initially took the lead of the remaining peloton shortly after the Devil's Lap and then attacked around half a kilometre before the finish. None of his rivals had an answer. For the Dutchman, his first victory in a WorldTour race was also his first ever victory as a professional.

He gesticulated just before the finish line, surprised at himself, before he had to get off his bike, completely exhausted, and lie down immediately after the finish line. Right next to him was Remy Rochas (Cofidis), who crossed the finish line two seconds later. Third was Hugh Carthy (EF Education - EasyPost). The trio also lead the overall standings in this order, six and 14 seconds behind respectively.

The day started like all the others. With Jens Reynders (Israel - Premier Tech) and Julius Johansen (Intermarche-Circus-Wanty), who, as on the previous two days, joined the breakaway group. Dries De Bondt (Alpecin-Deceuninck), who exceptionally decided not to join the escape group due to his red jersey as overall leader, was represented by his team-mate Jensen Plowright. Haoyu Su (China national team) and Zdenek Stybar (Jayco-AlUla), who is riding the last road race of his career in China, were also there. The 37-year-old can no longer find a new team.

>> This was stage 3 of the Tour of Guangxi 2023

>> This was stage 2 of the Tour of Guangxi 2023

>> This was stage 1 of the Tour of Guangxi 2023

Serious fall one and a half years ago almost ended Vader's career

His group didn't really find each other on this day either and was eventually dropped twelve kilometres before the finish. Later, Oscar Onley (Team dsm-firmenich) and Marijn van den Berg (EF Education - EasyPost) tried again, but only made it to the foot of the three and a half kilometre long final climb.

At the halfway point, De Bonft was left behind, clearing the way for a new overall leader. Vader took over the job and wrote a special story. Around a year and a half ago, it was not clear whether the Dutchman would be able to cycle again at all. After a serious crash on a descent during the Tour of the Basque Country, he was in a critical condition. Broken vertebrae and an emergency operation on his carotid artery were rumoured. But Vader recovered - and is now more successful than ever.

Tour of Guangxi 2023 - Results stage 4

1. Milan Vader (Jumbo-Visma) 3:43:45
2. Remy Rochas (Cofidis) +0:02
3. Hugh Carthy (EF Education - EasyPost) +0:08
4. Jesus David Pena (Jayco - AlUla) +0:08
5. Felix Großschartner (UAE Team Emirates) +0:08
6. Sylvain Moniquet (Lotto Dstny) +0:08
7. Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates) +0:08
8. Matteo Jorgenson (Movistar) +0:08
9. Louis Barre (Arkea-Samsic) +0:08
10. Ethan Hayter (Ineos Grenadiers) +0:08