Vuelta a Espana: Gianni Meersman avoids pile-up to win sprint finish
Colombian Darwin Atapuma (BMC) retained the red jersey, despite being held up by the pile-up
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gianni Meersman avoided a massive pile-up to win a tense sprint finish and claim his second stage victory of the a Espana on day five of the race.
The Belgian (Etixx - Quick Step), who also won stage two on Sunday, edged away from the pack - which was reduced to around 20 riders following a crash in the final kilometre - to finish the 171.3km flat route from Viveiro to Lugo in four hours and 16 minutes. The 30-year-old beat Italy's Fabio Felline (Trek-Segafredo) on the line, with France's Kevin Reza (FDJ) finishing third.
Colombian Darwin Atapuma (BMC) retained the red jersey, despite being held up by the pile-up, and now leads Spaniard Alejandro Valverde by 28 seconds in the overall standings, while Britain's Chris Froome is four seconds further back. Speaking to Eurosport, Meersman dedicated his stage wins to his team.
"They really gave me the trust to start in this Vuelta and I really want to give these two victories to the team, they've been incredible," he said. "I really like this team, the atmosphere between the riders and the staff is so good, I really enjoy to be here."
Portuguese rider Tiago Machado (Katusha), who surged at the flag along with France's Julien Morice (Direct Energie), led for the majority of the stage and was first at the top of the only ascent of the day, Puerto de Marco de Alvare, before being caught by the peloton with 14.5km to go.
Australian Simon Clarke (Cannondale - Drapac) and Belgian Philippe Gilbert (BMC) then attempted to break away 2.6km from the end, only to fall away prior to the crash and bunch sprint finish. Stage runner-up Felline said: "It was a rough approach. When Gilbert and Clarke went for it, the pace just had to pick up and make it a little bit more complicated.
In the end it was just getting into a decent position and making my approach properly."
PA.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments