Volta stage 5: Parisien triumphs as Euskaltel stay low

Francois Parisien surprised everyone when he emerged victorious from a bunch sprint at the end of the fifth stage of the Volta a Catalunya.

The Canadian of Argos-Shimano ousted French duo Samuel Dumoulin and Stéphane Poulhies to win the 156,5km stage from Rialp to Lleida. On a relatively uncomplicated stage for the general classification contenders, overnight leader Daniel Martin of Garmin-Sharp easily maintained his overall lead.

The Euskaltel riders stayed out of the limelight and the action in an effort to save their energy for the remaining two stages that should be more suited to their strengths. Igor Antón happened to be the team's highest-placed rider on the stage, coming in 41st.

Mikel Nieve remains the team's top man overall in 15th. 

Results (full results here):

• (1, Francois Parisien (Argos-Shimano), 3:32:02)
• 41, Igor Antón, 0:09
• 51, Mikel Landa, s.t.
• 71, Ricardo Mestre, s.t.
• 83, Mikel Astarloza, s.t.
• 91, Juan José Oroz, s.t.
• 96, Mikel Nieve, s.t.

General classification:

• (1, Daniel Martin (Garmin-Sharp), 22:20:39)
• 15, Mikel Nieve, 2:29
• 18, Igor Antón, 2:44
• 36, Mikel Landa, 7:03
• 63, Mikel Astarloza, 21:09
• 104, Ricardo Mestre, 36:02
• 115, Juan José Oroz, 40:36

Photo: Euskaltel Euskadi