DUBAI — Diego Ulissi put down a strong marker Friday on stage 4 of the Skoda Tour of Luxembourg, the veteran claiming the stage win in a reduced group sprint between four riders.

After much work in the crosswinds early-on from the ever-present Oliveira twins, the puncheur went clear with 7km to go in a group containing fellow race favorite Tim Wellens (Lotto Soudal) before taking his second win of the race.

Ulissi: “Today’s stage was very hard, we were fighting crosswinds all day. The team keep me out of trouble and set me up well on the last climb. I attacked with 10km to go with a group with Wellens. My legs are feeling great and I hope to hang on to the overall tomorrow. After the work the team did today I am confident about it.”

Tomorrow the team will aim to defend the jersey on the final stage from Mersch to Luxembourg city (177km).

Tour of Luxembourg stage 4 results: 1. Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) 4:45:23; 2. Aime De Gendt (Circus Wanty) s.t; 3. Markus Hoelgaard ( Uno-X) s.t.

Tour of Luxembourg GC after stage 4: 1. Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) 12:24:07; 2. Aime De Gendt (Circus Wanty) +17; 3. Markus Hoelgaard ( Uno-X) +19. — SG