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Canada’s Riley Pickrell wins stage 4 of Baby Giro

The Israel Cycling Academy rider takes a fantastic victory at the u-23 Giro d'Italia

Photo by: Giro d'Italia Giovani Under 23 @giroditaliau23
June 14, 2022
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Riley Pickrell took an incredible win on Tuesday at the Giro d’Italia Giovani, also known as the Baby Giro. Stage four  was 101.km, from Chiuro to Chiavenna.

After the break was caught in the closing kilometers it was a mad dash for the line, with the Canadian outkicking everyone. Dane Anders Foldager came in second, with French rider Romain Gregoire taking third.

Pickrell said that after he made it up the last tough climb, his teammates got him to the front. Although he got swarmed a few times, he said he got in a perfect spot in time for the finale. “I came around the last corner in second or third wheel,” he explained. “I waited until I saw the 200 m to go sign and just hit it. I think I won by a bike length.”

Although this is a huge win for him, it also shows that he’s living up to his hype.  In the current issue of Canadian Cycling Magazine, he’s listed as one of country’s young riders to watch.

Fraser later explained that the team had a few options for the race today. “We had two strategies. First, was to make the break and failing that we are all in for sprint for Riley. We did miss the move and together with Bardiani, we worked hard all day to bring the break back with 10 km to go. Shortly after the catch and with our guys up front there was a big crash with 6km to go the split the pack into 4 groups. With our squad all up front, we placed Riley well and he dug deep on the grinding last 3 km rise to the finish.”

Leo Hayter (Hagens Berman Axeon) keeps his pink jersey going into stage five.