Teen Brennan wins again, Ayuso retakes lead in Catalonia / Photo: Josep LAGO - AFP
Teen Brennan wins again, Ayuso retakes lead in Catalonia
Sprinter Matthew Brennan continued his breakout season as he exploded past the pack in a bunch sprint on a blustery stage five of the Tour of Catalonia on Friday, his second win of the race.
Spaniard Juan Ayuso retook the overall lead from Primoz Roglic after taking a bonus second on the intermediate sprint as wind split the peloton with Simon Yates losing 41sec in the overall standings.
With two days to go Ayuso leads Roglic by 1sec with Enric Mas third at 21sec, Mikel Landa fourth at 22s and Lenny Martinez fifth at 28sec.
"It's better to lead by a second than trail by one," said Ayuso, a 22-year-old from Barcelona. "It's nice to have the jersey and this race is so often won by a very narrow margin."
Visma rider Brennan is just 19. The Briton held the overall leader's green and white jersey for two stages after his opening day win in Barcelona.
Saturday's mountain run could prove decisive with four climbs including a summit finish at Queralt.
"It's very easy to get dropped there. It'll be a great race," said Ayuso.
The race ends in Barcelona on Sunday with the ascent of Montjuic to the Olympic stadium.
P.Johnson--RTC
