Kooij claims Tirreno-Adriatico fourth stage, Ganna holds lead

Olav Kooij won the fourth stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico on Thursday after coming from nowhere to win a bunch sprint, as Filippo Ganna held the overall lead.

Visma-Lease a Bike rider Kooij crossed first in Trasacco after 190 kilometres of bumpy riding in difficult, often soaking conditions, pipping the likes of star countryman Mathieu van der Poel in the finale.

Dutch rider Kooij said he is targeting Milan-San Remo, the first "Monument" race of the road cycling season which is being raced a week on Saturday.

"Who knows, its one of the Monuments and a dream race of mine. I really like it, I hope I can get a better result (than last year)," said Kooij.

The 23-year-old's win was impressive as he held out over difficult terrain and then made his burst after a small breakaway featuring Simon Yates was caught just 300 metres from the finish.

Ineos rider Ganna finished among the final bunch of sprinters and maintained his 22 second lead over Juan Ayuso who holds the young rider's jersey.

The Italian will defend the blue jersey for the overall leader in Friday's hilly, 205km fifth stage between Ascoli Piceno and Pergola.