Cycling: Tim Wellens won the fifth stage of the Vuelta a Espana. The Belgian prevailed on the final ramp against fellow breakaways Guillaume Martin and Thymen Arensman.
Breakaways see good chances of winning
After yesterday's stage for the sprinters, today's terrain was actually perfect for the escapees. The drivers had 184,4 kilometers in front of their chests and had to complete them from Huesca to Sabiñanigo. 14 riders saw their chance in an early attack and formed the first breakaway of the day. Sunweb and Cofidis, who were active directly with three and two men respectively, were represented several times. But the peloton didn't let them go, nor did another escape group shortly after. Only late did 11 professionals break away. But only three of them made it to the last 50 kilometers together in front of the peloton. Tim Wellens (Lotto – Soudal), William Martin (Cofidis) and the only 20-year-old Thymen Arensmann (Sunweb). While Ineos in particular kept up the pace in the peloton, the trio fought back bravely.
Wells wins confidently in front of Martin
Ineos gave up the pursuit around 30 kilometers from the finish. The breakaway trio should win the stage among themselves, even if the Equipe Total Direct Energie in the peloton briefly tried to catch up again. In the short final ramp, the balance of power was clear. Tim Wellens confidently advanced in the uphill sprint William Martin and Thymen Arensmann through. The Belgian manages a double whammy. Tim Wellens will also start in a mountain jersey tomorrow. Out of the peloton secured himself Primois Roglic (Jumbo – Visma) was fourth and showed his strength again. unlucky Daniel Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation) who fell just short of the finish. It is currently not clear whether the overall second place will be counted with the same time or not.
WELLS WINS STAGE 5 OF #LaVuelta20 #Vuelta20 #vueltaaespaña pic.twitter.com/dl6vf8BBfZ
— Jan Willems (@CyclingWiz) October 24, 2020