Renewi Tour 2023: Sprint triumph Welsford, Wellens still leader

image: Cor VosSam Welsford wins a tight sprint in the streets of Peer. The Australian outguns Olav Kooij and Jasper Philipsen, while Tim Wellens stays in the overall race lead. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 4th stage 2023 Renewi Tour

1. Sam Welsford (aus)
2. Olav Kooij (nld) s.t.
3. Jasper Philipsen (bel) s.t.
4. Tim Merlier (bel) s.t.
5. Arnaud De Lie (bel) s.t.
6. Dylan Groenewegen (nld) s.t.
7. Max Kanter (ger) s.t.
8. Milan Fretin (bel) s.t.
9. Laurence Pithie (nzl) s.t.
10. Arne Marit (bel) s.t.

GC after stage 4
1. Tim Wellens (bel)
2. Florian Vermeersch (bel) + 0.23
3. Yves Lampaert (bel) s.t.
4. Jasper Stuyven (bel) + 0.30
5. Fred Wright (gbr) s.t.
6. Mike Teunissen (nld) + 0.31
7. Marc Hirschi (swi) s.t.
8. Matej Mohoric (slo) + 0.33
9. Axel Zingle (lux) + 0.34
10. Matteo Trentin (ita) + 0.36

Race report
The breakaway features Ludovic Robeet, Ceriel Desal, Kamil Bonneu and Aaron Van Poucke. The four Belgians open up a lead of over 2 minutes before the peloton takes the reins and catch them with 63 kilometres remaining.

Sam Welford wins the sprint after a crash-marred finale, while Tim Wellens keeps the leader’s jersey.