On the scene at Tirreno-Adriatico, stages 4 & 5

On stage four, Nairo Quintana showed that he’s the king of Monte Terminillo by repeating his stage win of two years ago, this time in much nicer weather.

Thomas was second on the stage, and Pinot and Roglic finished 9 and 10.

On the podium, Quintana looked as happy as I’ve ever seen him, as he accepted the leader’s jersey from Colombia’s ambassador to Italy, and then showed off his prosecco-spraying skills.

He made the day of some Colombian fans by tossing his bouquet to a little girl, and then passing down his bottle of prosecco.

The finale of stage 5 featured several passes through the pretty hilltown of Fermo, including this steep climb into town at 27k from the finish. Flower and Majka led the pack at that point, with i big close behind.

Eventual stage winner Peter Sagan passed by in the middle of the lead pack.

Sagan took the stage in spectacular fashion, ahead of Thibaut Pinot and Primoz Roglic.

The strain of the grueling stage showed on Bob Jungels’ face as he collapsed over his handlebars after finishing a minute down on Sagan.

A few podium shots; Quintana seems to get a kick out of displaying his artistry with the prosecco.