In stage 5 of the Giro d’Italia, four refugees spoiled the spurters’ hopes. The biggest win of his career went to Benjamin Thomas

5. the Giro d’Italia stage this time was classified as hilly, but its profile rather predicted that the third time would be a repeat of the spurter duel. However, the peloton did and did not hold off the four escapees, who battled for the stage triumph at the finish. In the end, Benjamin Thomas took the win of his life in the spurt.

On stage 5, the peloton fell asleep and Benjamin Thomas celebrates

The hero of stage 5 is 28-year-old Frenchman Benjamin Thomas, who scored his 10th victory among the professionals. However, the Giro stage win is the most valuable he has achieved in his career so far. Tadej Pogačar calmly finished in 29th position with the group of favourites in the main pack, 11 seconds behind the winner, and continues to hold the race leader’s jersey.

The course of the stage had no effect on the overall standings. The top ten had no problem protecting their positions, including Jan Hirt, who remains in a fantastic 8th position in the overall classification. Although the fifth stage was hilly, it was supposed to be decided in the final spurt.

This, however, did not happen. Not that Tadej Pogačar attacked again, but a quartet of escapees broke away from the peloton and resisted the peloton’s pressure for a full 77km. Although the peloton set a hell of a pace in the final kilometres, the escapees did it with all their strength.

The foursome of Thomas, Valgren, Peitrobom and Paleni burned the pond for the Spurters. Just before the finish, Enzo Paleni dropped out. In the spurt, it was Thomas, Pietrobom and Valgren. Benjamin Thomas was the best finisher, taking his first Grand Tour stage win.

So after Wednesday’s stage, the jerseys have the same owners. Pogačar wearing pink for the race leader. In addition, he also leads the climbing competition. The leader of the sprinters is still Jonathan Milan. The best young rider is the 4th man in the standings, Cian Uijtdebroeks.

On Thursday, the 180km stage from Viareggio to Rapolano Terme, known for its gravel roads from Strade-Bianche, is on the agenda. This is a relatively easy stage with only two category 4 climbs. Again, expect plenty of escape attempts.

Giro d’Italia – Stage 5 (Genoa – Lucca, 178 km)

1. Benjamin Thomas (Fr./Cofidis) 3:59:59
2. Michael Valgren (Dan./EF – Education)
3. Andrea Pietrobom (It./Team polti Kometa)
4. Enzo Paleni (fR./fdj)
5. Jonathan Milan (It./Lidl-Trek)
67. Jan Hirt
149. Josef Cerny

Current standings

1. Tadej Pogačar 19:19:15
2. Gerraint Thomas -46
3. Daniel Felippe Martínez -47
4. Cian Uijtdebroeks -55
8. Hirt -1:13
162. Cerny -47:58

Source: CyclingNews, Giro d’Italia