Jaime Roson (Caja Rural – Seguros RGA) outsprinted Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) to win the queen stage of the Tour of Croatia taking back the overall lead.
The day began on a sad note with news of the tragic passing of Michele Scarponi, for which a minute silence was held before the riders departed on the 141km from Porec to Ucka.
Bahrain Merida were intent on defending the lead of Nibali and the breakaways days were numbered as they reached the foothills of the final climb. In the closing kilometres Roson was glued to the wheel of Nibali, with the Italian unable to shake the 24-year old Spanish climber. Then with 2km to go, Nibali showed his teeth with only Roson and Hirt (CCC) the only two riders being able to follow.
Nibali continued to insert pace as the red kite loomed, with Roson shadowing his every move. Roson put in a strong dig as they went under the 1km banner, but Nibali and Hirt were equal to his attack. With 200m Roson launched his race winning move holding off his companions till the finish and punching the air in victory for the second time in his career.
Roson will now aim to defend the leaders jersey ahead of tomorrow´s final stage from Samobor to Zagreb (147km).
“I knew I was in great condition and that I had to make the most of it”, said Roson. “Nibali was the wheel to follow, so I made sure to stick to it. I tried a solo attack but when that didn´t work I decided to wait for the sprint because I knew I was faster than the others. I had to wait patiently for this victory because I was already in good condition at Coppi y Bartali and I came close in that race too.
This win was for Scarponi. He was a great cyclist and an even better person. It´s a pity that these things happen. Nibali, naturally, was very affected as they were close friends. I hope he can recover now from this loss and put in a good Giro to dedicate it to his friend. Tomorrow I have to defend the leaders jersey as best I can. I have to try to avoid losing time in silly situations, like yesterday…but you learn from your mistakes. Hopefully it will be a good day and we can claim a victory for Spain.”
?|@jaimeroson @CajaRural_RGA wins stage 5 of Tour of Croatia 2017 #TOC2017 pic.twitter.com/q4LHfB54dc
— CyclingHub (@CyclingHubTV) 22 aprilie 2017
Tour of Croatia 2017 – stage 5 results (Porec – Ucka):
| 1 | Jaime Roson (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) | 3:41:47 |
| 2 | Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain Merida) | ,,,, |
| 3 | Jan Hirt (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) | ,, |
| 4 | Felix Grossschartner (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) | +05” |
| 5 | Jan Polanc (UAE Team Emirates) | +08” |
| 6 | Franco Pellizotti (Bahrain Merida) | +20” |
| 7 | Jesper Hansen (Astana) | ,, |
| 8 | Michael Schlegel (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) | +23” |
| 9 | Kanstantin Siutsou (Bahrain Merida) | ,, |
| 10 | Edward Ravasi (UAE Team Emirates) | ,, |
General classification after stage 5:
| 1 | Jaime Roson (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) | 21:55:17 |
| 2 | Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain Merida) | +02” |
| 3 | Jan Hirt (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) | +15” |
| 4 | Felix Grossschartner (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) | +30” |
| 5 | Jan Polanc (UAE Team Emirates) | +45” |
| 6 | Kanstantsin Siutsou (Bahrain Merida) | +46” |
| 7 | Michal Schlegel (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) | +1’05” |
| 8 | Jesper Hansen (Astana) | +1’20” |
| 9 | James Knox (Team Wiggins) | +1’22” |
| 10 | Oscar Sanchez (Bicicletas Strongman) | +1’27” |
