Louis Meintjes takes reserved stage win from breakaway in sombre, neutralised finale to stage 4 of Itzulia Basque Country

Louis Meintjes has taken a reserved victory on a sombre finale to stage 4 of the 2024 Itzulia Basque Country in a neutralised finale following a massive crash.

With just over 35km to go, there was a hugely terrifying crash in the peloton with the likes of Remco Evenepoel, Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard among many others crashing hard into a concrete ditch on a fast descent. With riders strewn all over, the entirety of the ambulances in the race convoy were required at the scene, forcing the race into neutralisation as the riders involved required the medical checks they needed and were taken to hospital.

After all riders had been safely taken away in the ambulance, the six-man breakaway that was out front was allowed to compete for the stage win as the peloton rolled home without time gaps.

Louis Meintjes looked the strongest on paper and when he made his move on the final climb he advanced clear solo. In the end, the South African took victory ahead of Karel Vacek and Reuben Thompson, although we understand there will be no post-stage celebrations or podiums.