Benjamin Thomas wins Giro d’Italia stage five after breakaway holds off peloton
Cofidis' Benjamin Thomas wins stage five of the Giro d'Italia from Genova to Lucca
Benjamin Thomas claimed victory in the fifth stage of the Giro d'Italia as an expected challenge from the sprinters failed to materialise.
The Cofidis rider fronted a four-strong breakaway into Lucca, with a tactical misjudgment from the chasing peloton meaning the sprint specialists were left with too much to do.
Frenchman Thomas took his opportunity to press for a maiden Grand Tour stage win, pipping Michael Valgren and Andrea Pietrobon, the latter having surged for the line with a kilometre to go. Enzo Paleni completed top four and next across the line was points classification leader Jonathan Milan at the head of the chasing pack.
A lack of collaboration between Milan's Lidl-Trek and the squads from Alpecin-Deceuninck and Soudal Quick-Step upset the expected rhythm of the day, allowing the quartet to maintain a handy lead.
"Nobody bet on the attackers today," said Thomas.
"We did an amazing break...it was really hard in the final (moments). Every pull was full gas. With 10km to go we were 40-50 seconds ahead and with a tailwind. We knew it was hard for the bunch to close.
"It's unbelievable really. Everything is perfect today."
There was no change at the top of the general classification standings, with favourite Tadej Pogacar retaining his 46-second lead over Britain's Geraint Thomas.
The race continues on Friday with a 180km sixth stage from Viareggio to Rapolano Terme.
