Vladimir Isaichev (Katusha) has won the fifth stage of the 2012 Tour de Suisse.
The Russian outsprinted Ruben Perez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Team Sky’s Salvatore Puccio for the win at the end of the 192.7km fifth stage from Trimbach to Gansingen.
Isaichev said the manner of his victory, which came at the end of a day-long break that saw him and five companions establish an 11-minute lead on the peloton, had been “extraordinary”.
“My motivations were high because I knew that, in a sprint against the riders which were in the breakaway with me, I was the favorite and, in fact, I managed to win quite easily.
“Really, it was a great day for me: I´ve always imagined my first victory in pro races, but I would have never thought of such a great win,” he said.
The Spaniard, Rui Costa, retained his overall lead, remaining eight seconds ahead of Frank Schleck (RadioShack-Nissan-Trek), and 15 seconds ahead of third placed Roman Kreuziger (Astana).
Costa described the performance of his Movistar teammates as “sensational” and predicted that Thursday’s 198.5km stage from Wittnau to Bischofszel would pass quietly.
“With a win and four days as leader, I am already very satisfied, but at this point [I] will have to struggle as far as possible. There are many quality people that can win, but will [I] will fight,” he said.
Britain’s Team Sky has had a quiet race ridden in support of Thomas Löfkvist, sixth overall and 21 seconds behind Costa.
Puccio’s third place drew praise from Team Sky directeur sportif, Marcus Ljungqvist, who said his neo pro had ridden “really well” to recover from a split in the six-man breakaway group.
“He kept a cool head and used his strength wisely,” said Ljungqvist.
The largely flat sixth stage is expected to benefit the sprinters. Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale), the winner of three stages so far, will be heavily favoured to add to his hat-trick.
Tour de Suisse 2012 stage five – result
1) Vladimir Isaichev (RUS) – Katusha – 4.58.28
2) Ruben Perez (SPA) – Euskaltel-Euskadi
3) Salvatore Puccio (ITA) – Team Sky
4) Karsten Kroon (NED) – Saxo Bank
5) Sébastien Minard (FRA) – AG2R La Mondiale
6) Daniel Oss (ITA) – Liquigas-Cannondale +5”
7) Klaas Lodewyck (BEL) – BMC Racing +1.50
8) Elia Viviani (ITA) – Liquigas-Cannondale + 11.07
9) Kris Boeckmans (BEL) – Vacansoleil-DCM
10) Alessandro Bazzana (ITA) Team Type 1-Sanofi
General classification
1) Rui Costa (POR) – Movistar – 20.53.27
2) Frank Schleck (LUX) – RadioShack-Nissan +8”
3) Roman Kreuziger (CZE) Astana +15”
4) Thibaut Pinot (FRA) – FDJ-Big Mat +19”
5) Nicolas Roche (IRL) – AG2R- La Mondiale +21”
6) Thomas Löfkvist (SWE) – Team Sky
7) Alejandro Valverde (SPA) – Movistar +23”
8) John Gadret (FRA) – AG2R-La Mondiale +24”
9) Mikel Nieve Ituralde (SPA) – Euskaltel-Euskadi +26”
10) Thomas Danielson (USA) – Garmin-Barracuda +29”
