As it happened: Movistar blow-up the Giro d'Italia on the 14km Cozzo Tunno climb but UAE and Lidl-Trek celebrate in Cosenza

Stage 4 of the Giro d'Italia saw Movistar execute a surprising, albeit ultimately fruitless, offensive on the Cozzo Tunno climb. Their aggressive pace split the peloton, dropping several GC contenders including Thymen Arensman, but UAE Team Emirates and Lidl-Trek ultimately dictated the finale in Cosenza. Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) secured his second stage victory in a bunch sprint, while Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) comfortably retained the Maglia Rosa, his team having expertly navigated the chaos.

This Movistar gambit, while bold, highlights a recurring theme: ambition often outstrips execution. Their decision to light up the race early, seemingly without a clear objective beyond creating disarray, ultimately played into the hands of stronger, more organised teams. Pogačar's continued dominance, coupled with Milan's sprint prowess, underscores the current hierarchy in the Giro, where individual brilliance and team depth are proving insurmountable for those attempting to disrupt the established order.

Movistar’s spirited, if strategically questionable, effort certainly made for compelling television. One might even say they succeeded in making the race harder, just not for the right people.