Philipsen 5th in fast Tour Down Under finish

Jasper Philipsen finished 5th on the penultimate stage of the Santos Tour Down Under as the race heads towards its climax on Saturday.

With several sprinters having been distanced on the climb of Kirby hill, it was a reduced group of approximately 50 riders who managed the sprint. It was Italian Giancomo Nizzolo (NTT) who proved the quickest as Philipsen rounded out what was a very consistent week of sprinting for the 21 year old.

Philipsen extends his lead also in the sprints competition which he is set to wrap up tomorrow on the final stage.

Tomorrow’s stage goes from McClaren Vale to Willunga Hill (151.5 km) which will be the queen stage and decide the overall winner of the race with Diego Ulissi sitting just 17’’ off the lead.

Philipsen: “I was a little out of position for the sprint but also I didn’t have the big power today. Laengen set a really good pace for me on the last climb to keep me in the bunch at a pace I could hold. I’m content with holding the sprints jersey but for sure I’m still looking for that first win of the season. ”

Stage 5 Results:
1.Giancomo Nizzolo (NTT) 3h32’45”
2.Simone Consonni (Cofidis) s.t.
3.Sam Bennett (Deceunink-Quickstep) s.t.
5.Jasper Philipsen (UAE Team Emirates) s.t.

General Classification after stage 5:
1.Daryl Impey (Mitchelton Scott) 17h12’15”
2.Richie Porte (Trek Segafredo) +2’’
3.Robert Power (Sunweb) +9’’
6.Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) +17’’