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

Jhonatan Narváez claimed victory on stage 4 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia after a thrilling sprint finish in Cosenza, while Giulio Ciccone secured the maglia rosa by taking crucial bonus seconds. The decisive moment came on the 14km Cozzo Tunno climb, where Movistar’s aggressive tactics fragmented the peloton, but it was UAE Team Emirates and Lidl-Trek who ultimately reaped the rewards. Ciccone’s move to the overall lead marks a significant milestone, as he donned the pink jersey for the first time in his career, fulfilling a long-held childhood ambition. The stage unfolded with intense competition, particularly on the final climbs where riders jostled for position. Jan Christen of UAE launched a late attack in an attempt to seize the leader’s jersey, but Narváez’s well-timed sprint proved too strong. Narváez, who had faced setbacks earlier in the season including a crash at the Tour Down Under, expressed deep emotion after the win, crediting his family and teammates for their support during his recovery and preparation. Meanwhile, Ciccone’s performance was celebrated by Italian fans, especially given his Abruzzo roots and the prospect of defending the lead on the upcoming Blockhaus climb. Movistar’s strategy to push the pace on the Cozzo Tunno climb disrupted the race dynamics, yet they were unable to capitalise fully, with the likes of UAE and Lidl-Trek emerging as the main beneficiaries. Lidl-Trek, despite a challenging start to the season, now find themselves in a strong position with Ciccone in pink, signalling a potential resurgence. The general classification remains tightly contested, with Ciccone holding a narrow lead over Jan Christen and other contenders such as Florian Stork and Egan Bernal, setting the stage for an exciting battle in the coming stages. Looking ahead, stage 5 promises to be a stern test with over 4,000 metres of climbing, including the iconic Blockhaus ascent. Ciccone’s ability to defend the maglia rosa on terrain that suits his climbing prowess will be crucial, while rivals will be eager to exploit any weaknesses. The race narrative is evolving rapidly, with teams recalibrating their tactics in response to the shifting leaderboard and the physical demands of the Giro’s mountainous terrain. Fans can expect further drama as the riders tackle the challenging route towards Potenza.