Van Aert rules fifth stage to turn Dauphine screw

CHAINTRE, FRANCE: Belgium’s Jumbo-Visma rider Wout van Aert sprinted to victory in the fifth stage of the Criterium du Dauphine on Thursday to consolidate his lead in the overall standings.

It was a second stage win for the Belgian champion, coming four days after his victory in the opening sprint stage in Beauchastel.

Van Aert was made to work for the win, however, edging fellow Belgian Jordi Meeus by a third of a wheel at the end of the 162.3km stage that was almost witness to an unlikely heist.