Stage 5 of the
Tour of Guangxi was they key stage for the overall classification and it did not disappoint.
Lennert van Eetvelt was the main favourite on the day to take the win and although he was put under serious pressure, the
Lotto Dstny rider put in a valiant effort to win on the steep summit finish.
Jonas Rutsch, Stefan Bissegger, Koen Bouwman and previous stage winner Waare Vangeluwe formed a small but very strong breakaway on the day which forced the peloton to ride a faster pace than expected. This being the only true hilly stage with a difficult finish, a surprise could lead to a full GC overhaul.
The group was caught then at the start of the final climb with a fast moving peloton. The serious moves began with 1.7 kilometers to go as Tim Wellens attacked off the front, a dangerous move for UAE whilst
Victor Lafay also followed him. The Frenchman then set off in the final steep kilometer, as Lotto Dstny chased behind.
Stage win favourite Lennert van Eetvelt then made the main chase behind, but despite this he still had the best legs when it mattered.
Oscar Onley attacked in the final 400 meters to go and his acceleration saw Lafay get caught, but van Eetvelt managed to follow the attack and then sprinted to stage win ahead of the DSM rider.