American steals the show on climb to Sestola
  

 May 13, 2021:  Joe Dombrowski tasted his first victory for UAE Team Emirates with an impressive win on Stage 4 of the first Grand Tour of the season, the Giro D’Italia.
 
The 29-year old formed part of the early escape of 25 riders along with teammate Valerio Conti, which broke away in the early stages of the rainy transfer from Piacenza to Sestola (187km).
 
The group slowly built up a gap which reached a maximum of 7’ on the peloton as the tough conditions and arduous terrain fractured the lead group. With the final climb coming at 6km to go, Dombrowski emerged in a select bunch of surviving climbers before going clear solo with only Alessandro De Marchi (Israel Start Up Nation) able to stay within reach of the American.
 
Dombrowski grinded his way up the steep gradient to hold off De Marchi and take the stage honours, having time to throw his arms in the air in celebration as he crossed the line.
 
This is the 10th victory of the season for the Emirati team and the first win for Dombrowski in the colours of UAE, who also celebrates his 30th birthday this week.
Dombrowski is now the highest placed rider for the team in the GC in 2nd overall, +22’’ from new race leader De Marchi.
 
Stage 5 sees the riders go from Modena to Cattolica (177km) over a pan flat course which offers a chance for the sprinters.
 
Dombrowski: “I was feeling good in the last 50km , just trying not to do too much work and be a bit conservative because I knew the last climb was really tough. It was a big group and I knew De Marchi was one of the stronger guys so I followed him and on the last climb I was able to get the gap and take the win. I didn’t quite get enough time to take the leaders jersey but I am delighted with the stage win.”
 
Stage 4 results
 
1. Joe Dombrowski (UAE Team Emirates) 4:58:38
2. Alessandro De Marchi (Israel Start Up Nation) +13’’
3. Filippo Fiorelli (Bardiani-CSF) +27’’
 
General Classification after stage 4
 
1. Alessandro De Marchi (Israel Start Up Nation) 13:50:44
2. Joe Dombrowski (UAE Team Emirates) +22’’
3. Louis Vervaeke (Alpecin-Fenix) +42’’