Tour Down Under 2019: Sprint victory Philipsen, Bevin crashes but retains lead

With its rolling roads and enchanting coastal surrounds, the Tour Down Under's 5th stage is a sprinter's dream. And, as it turns out, Jasper Philipsen's dream in particular. Caleb Ewan is the first rider over the line, but the Australian is relegated. Patrick Bevin wins 5 bonus seconds underway and wears the ochre jersey into the decisive Willunga Hill stage, although he is badly injured after a crash in the finale. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 5th stage 2019 Tour Down Under

1. Jasper Philipsen (bel) s.t.
2. Peter Sagan (svk) s.t.
3. Danny van Poppel (nld) s.t.
4. Jens Debusschere (bel) s.t.
5. Elia Viviani (ita) s.t.
6. Phil Bauhaus (Ger) s.t.
7. Cees Bol (nld) s.t.
8. Ryan Gibbons (rsa) s.t.
9. Wout Poels (nld) s.t.
10. Davide Ballerini (ita) z.t

GC Tour Down Under
1. Patrick Bevin (nzl)
2. Daryl Impey (rsa) + 0.07
3. Luis León Sánchez (spa) + 0.16
4. Ryan Gibbons (rsa) s.t.
5. Jan Polanc (slo) s.t.
6. Ruben Guerriro (por) s.t.
7. George Bennett (nzl) s.t.
8. Chris Hamilton (aus) s.t.
9. Wout Poels (nld) s.t.
10. Michael Woods (can) s.t.

16. Richie Porte (aus) s.t.

Race report
Ayden Toovey and Jason Lea escape early on and are joined by Clement Chevrier. The trio widens the gap to 3 minutes before they are brought back. In the ensuing intermediate sprints leader Patrick Bevin and runner-up Daryl Impey both takes five bonus seconds.

Matthieu Ladagnous instigates the second break of the day. Toovey didn’t have enough the first time and bridges across. They put more than 3 minutes into the peloton.

With 35 kilometres remaining Ladagnous and Toovey shake hands and moments later the break is history.

Inside the last 10 kilometres Bevin crashes heavily. He has to be supported by team mates to get back on his bike. The New Zealander manages to regain contact before the ensuing bunch sprint. Caleb Ewan is the first rider over the line, but the pocket sprinter is relegated by the race jury. Young Jasper Philipsen moves up and wins the stage ahead of Peter Sagan and Danny van Poppel.

Ensuing read: route 5th stage Tour Down Under 2019.