"After the low of Primoz Roglic's withdrawal, we wanted to seize the opportunity" - Max Schachmann gives BORA reason to be cheerful with podium on stage 5 of Itzulia Basque Country

BORA - hansgrohe's Itzulia Basque Country plans were ruined on stage 4 as their team leader and overall race leader, Primoz Roglic, crashed out hard in an incident that also sent the likes of Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel to hospital.

Whilst Roglic himself was able to avoid the worst of the crash, the Slovenian was forced to abandon the race. In response on stage 5 however, Max Schachmann sprinted to a 3rd placed finish, giving the team reason to be cheerful after a dark period.

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"Fortunately all the medical checks of Primoz did not show any big issues" - Roglic lucky to escape Itzulia Basque Country crash according to BORA - hansgrohe DS

"The stage today was really fast, and as a team, we showed a great performance. Matteo and Jai positioned me well on the final climb. I felt strong and tried to make a move at the top," reflects the German post-stage to his team's official website. "The descent was a real challenge. In the last corner, I was in second position and had no choice but to give it my all. Although I did my best, my legs just weren't there in the end."

"After the low point of our leader Primoz Roglic's withdrawal yesterday, we wanted to seize the opportunity on today's stage to achieve a good result with Max," adds sports director, Patxi Villa. "From previous years, we know that usually a group of 20 to 30 riders fight for the finish, so it could suit Max well. He was very close to victory, but missed it narrowly. Nevertheless, I think we can be really satisfied with this result. He also moves up to second place in the general classification. So, it was a good day, and I am proud of how the guys rode."

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🇪🇸 #Itzulia Third place for @MaxSchachmann 👏🏼 Bravo, Max! 💪🏼 Gregoire wins the sprint today.

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