It was a case of timing in the town of Cuenca on Wednesday, and Norway's Thor Hushovd timed his sprint to the finish exactly right to win the fifth stage of the Vuelta a Espana.
The Credit Agricole cyclist, who has been among the top finishers the previous two days, hung back as the other top sprinters battled for position after a short climb. As CyclingNews reports:
“Amazing win by Hushovd, who had plenty of time to celebrate. It seemed as though all the other sprinters shot their bullets too early.”
Australian Bradley McGee retains the overall leader's gold jersey after the 109-mile race from Alcazar de San Juan to Cuenca. He is 32 seconds ahead of Italian Leonardo Bertagnolli (Cofidis).
Cyclist Tom Danielson, riding for Discovery Channel, is the top ranked American at the 3-week Grand Tour. He has climbed to 9th overall and is 1-minute-17 behind the leader. Just 3 seconds behind him is three-time Vuelta winner Roberto Heras, formerly of US Postal Service and now riding for Liberty Seguros. More Vuelta results at CyclingNews.
On Thursday, the race covers 135 miles from Cuenca to a Category 1 finish at Valdelinares.
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