Giro d'Italia Stage 5: Degenkolb Wins Messy Finale

Personally, I missed the ending, but I do take some credit for predicting this wasn't a good day for Cav. It's amazing how the Giro finds a way to make each stage so different in terms of what type of rider is favored. We're up to stage 5 and nobody has had a second bite at the apple yet. Only stages 3 and 4 could have had vaguely similar results, but stage 3 was much more selective, both up and down the hills. Stage 1 and 5 were both rated "flat" by the Giro's general organizing system, but clearly they had little in common besides a possible sprint. Anyway, chapeau to Degenkolb, who's on track to complete his trilogy of grand tour stages in a single year.

Results:

1. John Degenkolb, Argos-Shimano
2. Angel Vicioso, Katusha, s.t.
3. Paul Martens, Blanco, s.t.
4. Sergio Henao, Sky, s.t.
5. Matteo Trentin, Omega Pharma Quick Step, s.t.

GC:

1. Luca Paolini, Katusha
2. Rigoberto Uran, Sky, at 0.17
3. Benat Intxausti, Movistar, at 0.26
4. Vincenzo Nibali, Astana, at 0.31
5. Ryder Hesjedal, Garmin-Sharp, at 0.34

Points:

1. Paolini, 35 points
2. Degenkolb, 30
3. Cadel Evans, BMC, 30
4. Mark Cavendish, OPQS, 28
5. Enrico Battaglin, Bardiani, 25

A Domani

Stage 6: Mola di Bari - Margherita di Savoia, 169km

Here's what I wrote previously:

This stage is all about Bari and the southeastern coastline. It's board-flat, runs largely in a straight line, and is dead-certain to end in a sprint. Being only 169km and almost certainly the easiest day of the race (depending on weather), it also is a pretty good sign that the race is about to turn nasty.

Should be Cavendish all the way. Weather looks sunny and lovely. Enjoy!