In the fifth stage of the tour, cycling fans were greeted with a sweet treat – a 157-kilometer stage in the vicinity of Lille. The track included pavement sections of varying length and difficulty. Although the famous Arenberg forest, included in the “Paris – Roubaix” cycling trips, was missing, there was no shortage of other legendary pavement sectors.
Six cyclists took part in the day’s breakaway, including the owner of the king of the mountain jersey and the breakaway rider of the previous three stages, Magnus Kort (“EF Education”), Krist Neiland’s teammate Simon Clarke, the highest ranked Nelson Powless (“EF Education”), as well as the well-known Norwegian Edvall Boasson Hagen (“TotalEnergies”). The leading group worked together successfully, holding a lead of more than two minutes.
The real battles in the big group started in the cobble sectors. More than 55 kilometers per hour high pace in the first sector was offered by the “Quick-Step” men, who divided the group very quickly. There were also failures. A technical defect happened to one of the main leaders of the general standings, Primož Rogličas. Men such as overall leader Wout van Aart and another classics master Matthew van der Pool also fell behind the following group.
Very prominently in front of the group were the men of Trek – Segafredo. Toms Skujiņš also played his role perfectly. The Latvian, being in front of the group, increased the pace. Later, the leading classic driver of Tom’s team, Jaspers Strevens, took over the baton, who together with Tadej Pogačaras rushed to catch the leaders of the race. Although the two initially worked together successfully, they failed to gain a significant lead.
Approaching the final five kilometers, it became clear that this would be the time when someone from the breakaway would win. Shortly before the finish, Court fell behind while his teammate Powless went on a solo attack. The American athlete quickly gained a lead of a few seconds, but was unable to protect what he had saved. His catch was immediately followed by Hagen’s breakthrough, which was also stifled.
In the last meters, Krista Neiland’s teammate Simon Clark showed more power and speed in his legs. The 35-year-old cyclist, who only joined the Israeli team just before this season, took his first career Tour win. After winning, Clark couldn’t hold back tears of joy. He spent 3 hours 13 minutes and 35 seconds on the track. Second place went to Tako van der Hoorn of Intermerche Wanty Gobert Materiaux, while Hagen finished third.
Streivien and Pogachar finished 51 seconds behind the winner in sixth and seventh respectively. The big group crossed the finish line 1 minute and 4 seconds behind Clark. It also includes the overall leader Vouts van Aart (16th place) and our Toms Skujiņš. Tomas 46th place in the stage.
Krist Neiland finished in the next group 2 minutes and 59 seconds behind the winner. This group was very motivated to lose as little as possible. This is because Roglič finished together with Neyland. The Slovenian will have to start the mountain stages with a deficit of almost 2 minutes against his direct competitors, including compatriot Pogachar.
In the overall standings, van Aart retains the honor of the leader, who is now 13 seconds ahead of Povles, who demonstrated a great performance. An increase of four places for our Tom Skujin, who has already moved from 20th place to 16th position, 1 minute and 6 seconds behind the leader. Krists Neyland climbed 13 places and is now 61st (+00:03:48).
The bike ride will continue on Thursday, when the 219-kilometer long and hilly sixth stage will be completed. A day later, the first serious mountain stage.
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