Itzulia: Gregoire wins the fifth stage

After yesterday's terrible fall we start again with L'Itzulia Basque Country with the fifth stage from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Amorebieta-Etxano (175.9km).

The stage is run at very high speed (close to 50 km/h), so much so that he is unable to form a breakaway, despite numerous attempts. About 90 km from the end, a new fall shocks the group: Mikel Landa pays the price; he fears breaking his collarbone.

On the Muniketagaina climb several riders try to move including Del Toro, Onley and Schachmann, but the leader Skjelmose keeps good guard and repels all the attacks thanks also to the work of Geoghegan Hart.

In the final flat stretch McNulty tries to lead, but is in turn caught by the yellow jersey group.

The final sprint between around thirty runners is launched by Rodriguez, behind him Gregoire , Aular and Schachmann come out at the right times with the photo finish that rewards the French rider of Groupama-Fdj.

ARRIVAL ORDER:

1 GRÉGOIRE Romain Groupama - FDJ 3:43:28

2 AULAR Orluis Caja Rural - Seguros RGA,,

3 SCHACHMANN Maximilian BORA - hansgrohe ,,

4 PACHER Quentin Groupama - FDJ,,

5 ARANBURU Alex Movistar Team ,,

6 BUITRAGO Santiago Bahrain - Victorious ,,

7 BILBAO Pello Bahrain - Victorious ,,

8 HOWSON Damien Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team,,

9 BATTISTELLA Samuele Astana Qazaqstan Team ,,

10 RODRÍGUEZ Carlos INEOS Grenadiers,,

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency