Paris-Nice 2018 Stage 5: Cousin bests Politt in two-up sprint, LL Sánchez retains lead

Paris-Nice's 5th stage takes in a tough intermediate climb halfway, yet the last 60 kilometres are predominantly flat. Cousin and Politt are the strongest riders in the break and the Frenchman wins the sprint. LL Sánchez finishes safely in the bunch to retain in yellow. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 5th stage 2018 Paris-Nice

1. Jérôme Cousin (fra)
2. Nils Politt (ger) + 0.02
3. André Greipel (ger) + 0.04
4. Magnus Cort (den) s.t.
5. Alexander Kristoff (nor) s.t.
6. Christophe Laporte (fra) s.t.
7. Matteo Trentin (ita) s.t.
8. Mike Teunissen (nld) s.t.
9. Matti Breschel (den) s.t.
10. Koen de Kort (nld) s.t.

GC after the 5th stage
1. Luis León Sánchez (spa)
2. Wout Poels (nld) + 0.15
3. Julian Alaphilippe (fra) + 0.26
4. Marc Soler (spa) s.t.
5. Gorka Izagirre (spa) s.t.
6. Felix Grosschartner (aut) + 0.35
7. Ion Izagirre (spa) + 0.42
8. Tim Wellens (bel) s.t.
9. Sergio Henao (col) + 0.48
10. Esteban Chaves (col) s.t.

11. Simon Yates (gbr) s.t.
15. David de la Cruz (spa) + 1.15
16. Tony Gallopin (fra) + 1.19
19. Roman Kreuziger (cze) + 1.29
21. Sam Oomen (nld) + 1.33
22. Daniel Martin (irl) + 1.36
23. Bauke Mollema (nld) + 1.50
31. Ilnur Zakarin (rus) + 2.41
33. Jakob Fuglsang (den) + 2.44

Race report
Shortly after the start Nicolas Edet, Jerome Cousin and Julien El Fares open up a gap. Nils Politt chases them down before the four widen the gap to almost 6 minutes at the top of the Col du Lagarde d’Apt. Cousin takes most KOM points, as he does on the Col du Pointu and Col du Négron.

Politt attacks when the gap has fallen to 2 minutes with 16 kms to go, but Cousin tracks him down before the top of the Côte de la Marquise to snatch the KOM points.

The two enjoy a 1 minute lead with 10 kms to go. Politt is stronger and powers on with Cousin patiently and stoically on his wheel. On the last straight the Frenchman makes his move to leave the young German behind.

The bunch with leader LL Sánchez finishes just 4 seconds later.