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2013 Vuelta a Espana: Orica-GreenEDGE's Michael Matthews wins Stage 5

Orica-GreenEDGE rider Michael Matthews is one of the favourites for this year's Brabantse Pijl. (Image: Team Sky).
Roar Guru
28th August, 2013
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An enthralling finale to Stage 5 of the 2013 Vuelta a Espana witnessed Australian sprinter Michael Matthews claim the stage honours for Orica-GreenEDGE as Vincenzo Nibali retained the Maillot Rojo (Red Jersey) for another stage.

The 174.3km stage from Sober to Lago de Sanabria was a rather challenging day in the saddle for the peloton.

An early breakaway formed with nine kilometres of the stage ridden, getting out to a maximum time advantage of ten minutes.

The sole breakaway of the day consisted of Nicolas Edet (Cofidis), Jurgen Van de Walle (Lotto-Belisol), Winner Anacona (Lampre-Merida), Arnaud Courteille (FDJ.fr), and Antonio Piedra (Caja Rural).

The breakaway almost gave the peloton the slip to win the stage, but were ultimately nullified with just four kilometres remaining.

With the breakaway caught, and several attacks within the final kilometres nullified, the stage would be decided by a bunch sprint.

With two Category 3 climbs during the stage, Nicolas Edet attempted to consolidate his points total and become the new ‘King of the Mountains’ leader.

However, at the end of Stage 5, the Frenchman remains four points behind current leader Nicolas Roche of Saxo-Tinkoff.

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The two intermediate sprints spread throughout Stage 5’s parcours were won by Van De Walle and Courteille. With Courteille and Edet rounded out the top three at the first intermediate sprint.

Followed by Piedra and Anacona rounding out the top three at the second intermediate sprint.

The Argos-Shimano lead-out train paced the sprinters in towards the finishing line, where Michael Matthews would be one of the first to pounce.

Getting the jump on his rivals he caught Argos-Shimano sprinter Nikias Arndt off guard, to lead the bunch sprint across the finish in pole position.

Maximiliano Ariel Richeze of Lampre-Merida and Gianni Meersman of Omega Pharma – Quick-Step rounded out the podium.

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