The Volta a Comunitat Valenciana's fourth stage saw Remco Evenepoel take control of the general classification with a decisive solo performance on the queen stage. After three days of close standings, the stage's relentless climbing and brutal finale around Calpe led to the first real separation among the favorites. Evenepoel attacked with 13 kilometers to go, never looking back, and delivered a commanding solo victory.
The stage began with a furious pace, as eight riders quickly formed a significant breakaway. While Steff Cras and Julien Bernard led the climbing, the peloton kept the gap manageable. Red Bull and UAE Team Emirates - XRG controlled the race, with the latter anticipating the decisive climbs. The pressure gradually reduced the breakaway, leaving only a few attackers by the final 40 kilometers.
The turning point came on the steep Cumbre del Sol. After a strong lead-out, Evenepoel accelerated smoothly, immediately stretching the group of favorites. Only Antonio Tiberi could follow initially, while João Almeida, Brandon McNulty, and Aleksandr Vlasov were forced into a chase. Evenepoel increased the pressure, riding clear of Tiberi before the summit and collecting bonus seconds.
The chase group struggled to stabilize, with McNulty repeatedly bridging back to assist Almeida. However, their cooperation lacked cohesion, and the gap remained around 20 seconds. Evenepoel showed no sign of easing, riding through the final kilometer and crossing the line alone for a dominant stage victory.
The chasing group arrived fragmented, conceding valuable time that reshaped the overall standings. Evenepoel's performance marked a significant shake-up, transforming a narrow deficit into a clear advantage ahead of the final day. The race's hierarchy was now reflected in the time gaps, with Evenepoel firmly in control heading into the finale.
