Ben Turner Stuns With Historic First Vuelta Stage Win!
In a breathtaking display of raw power and tactical brilliance, Britain’s Ben Turner of Ineos Grenadiers seized his maiden Grand Tour victory on Stage 4 of the Vuelta a España, delivering a performance that will be etched into cycling folklore. The 24-year-old surged past Alpecin-Deceuninck’s Jasper Philipsen and Edward Planckaert in a nail-biting sprint finale, while fellow Briton Ethan Vernon (Israel-Premier Tech) narrowly missed the podium on his 25th birthday.
Ben Turner’s Historic Vuelta Stage Win Triumph
Turner’s victory was no fluke—it was a masterclass in resilience. A late addition to Ineos’ Vuelta lineup after teammate Lucas Hamilton withdrew due to illness, Turner transformed uncertainty into opportunity. The 206km stage—the longest of this year’s race—featured over 3,000 meters of climbing, testing riders with grueling ascents in the first half before a tense dash to the line. Early breakaways were reeled in with 90km remaining, setting the stage for a dramatic finale on a long, rising finish tailor-made for Turner’s explosive style.
At 6’4”, Turner’s towering frame became an unstoppable force in the final meters. As Philipsen found himself boxed in behind teammate Planckaert, Turner and Vernon charged forward with impeccable timing. By the time Philipsen broke free, Turner’s relentless cadence had already sealed the deal. Crossing the line, the Briton collapsed into tears—an outpouring of emotion marking the pinnacle of his young career.
The Perfect Storm: Strategy, Teamwork, and Belief
Turner’s win was a testament to Ineos Grenadiers’ tactical precision. “Today I just had the best guys around me, and I did what I had to do,” he said post-race. “This finish suited me perfectly, and I believed in myself.” His confidence was hard-won: Just days earlier, a mechanical failure cost him dearly in the opening sprint. “My chain came off at the worst moment, but today, everything clicked,” he reflected.
The victory—only Turner’s third as a professional—signals a meteoric rise for the Derby-born rider. Known for his prowess in cobbled classics, he has now proven his versatility on Grand Tour terrain. His emotional reaction underscored the weight of the moment: “The last 100 meters felt endless. To win here—it’s surreal.”
A Stage Steeped in Symbolism
The fourth stage carried unique significance, starting in Italy and concluding in France—the final cross-border segment before the race returned to Spanish soil. France’s David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) retained the red jersey, edging out Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard on countback after both finished with identical times. Gaudu’s consistency has positioned him as a dark horse in the GC battle, while pre-race favorites like Vingegaard and Slovenia’s Primož Roglič remain lurking threats.
Further down the standings, British fans had double cause for celebration. Alongside Turner’s breakout ride, Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling) held firm in fifth overall, highlighting Britain’s depth in this year’s Vuelta.
Looking Ahead: Time Trials and Tactical Showdowns
With Stage 4 complete, the Vuelta shifts to Figueres for a pivotal 24.1km individual time trial—a test likely to reshuffle the GC hierarchy. Riders like Vingegaard and Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) will aim to gain time, while Gaudu faces fierce pressure to defend his lead. For Turner, the win injects momentum into Ineos’ campaign as they eye further stage victories and supporting Egan Bernal’s GC ambitions.
Stage 4 Results & General Classification Standings
Stage 4 Top 10:
1. Ben Turner (GB/Ineos Grenadiers) – 4:50:14
2. Jasper Philipsen (Bel/Alpecin-Deceuninck) – same time
3. Edward Planckaert (Bel/Alpecin-Deceuninck)
4. Ethan Vernon (GB/Israel-Premier Tech)
5. Jenthe Biermans (Bel/Arkéa-B&B Hotels)
General Classification After Stage 4:
1. David Gaudu (Fra/Groupama–FDJ) – 15:45:50
2. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Visma–Lease a Bike) – same time
3. Giulio Ciccone (Ita/Lidl-Trek) +0:08
4. Egan Bernal (Col/Ineos Grenadiers) +0:14
Conclusion: A Vuelta Stage Win to Remember
Ben Turner’s triumph transcends personal glory—it heralds the arrival of a new British force in Grand Tour cycling. His victory epitomizes the drama and unpredictability that make the Vuelta a España a crown jewel of the sport. As the race progresses, Turner’s grit and Ineos’ strategic genius will be key factors in the battles ahead. For now, the cycling world pauses to celebrate a stunning Vuelta stage win that will inspire generations.
