Warren Barguil (Team Arkéa Samsic) won the fifth stage of Tirreno Adriatico (155 km between Sefro and Fermo) on Friday. The Frenchman won alone. Barguil was part of a breakaway group of 12 riders, who distanced themselves from the peloton after around 55 km of racing. His teammate Clément Russo and Benjamin Thomas (Cofidis) were also present.
20 km from the finish, Warren Barguil tried his luck for the first time, after benefiting from the good work of Russo. Only Thomas, quadruple world champion on track (omnium, American and points race) and best Frenchman in the general classification of Tirreno Adriatico (12th), was able to follow him. But the two French were caught by six of their breakaway companions, less than 10 km from the goal.
A few minutes later, the stage gag happened. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) and Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team), respectively first and second in the general classification, left the peloton, eight kilometers from the end. Dane Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) also attacked.
Course error for Pogacar and Evenepoel
But the three men made a mistake on the course, making a ”straight ahead”, when a turn had to be taken. However, they were not necessarily well guided by the organization of the race. This mishap, however, put an end to their dreams of victory.
Then, five kilometers from the goal, on the climb to Fermo, Warren Barguil launched a new attack. Valentin Ferron (Total Energies) tried to follow his compatriot, but quickly capitulated. Barguil sped to victory, alone, untroubled by his pursuers. He won as he participated in Tirreno Adriatico for the first time in his career.
The Belgian Xandro Malisse (Alpecin-Fenix) and the Italian Simone Velasco (Astana) completed the podium. In the general classification, Pogacar retained first place, nine seconds ahead of Evenepoel. Benjamin Thomas remains the best Frenchman, but he is now 17th. Barguil, he jumped 24 places. He is 33rd.
On Saturday, the riders will complete a 215 km stage between Apecchio and Carpegna.