Ayuso Dominates Time Trial, Van Der Poel Back in Yellow
Spanish rider Juan Ayuso produced a dominant performance to win stage five of the Tour de France, a 27.2km individual time trial from Changé to Laval.
The 19-year-old, riding for UAE Team Emirates, covered the course in 31 minutes and 15 seconds, finishing 21 seconds ahead of reigning world time trial champion Filippo Ganna.
Ayuso's victory was his first stage win on the Tour de France and moved him up to second place overall, 14 seconds behind Mathieu van der Poel, who reclaimed the yellow jersey after finishing third on the stage.
Van der Poel, riding for Alpecin-Fenix, had lost the yellow jersey to Wout van Aert on stage four but regained it after a strong performance in the time trial. He now leads the overall standings by 7 seconds from Ayuso.
Tadej Pogačar, the defending Tour de France champion, finished fourth on the stage, 32 seconds behind Ayuso. He remains third overall, 19 seconds behind van der Poel.
Ayuso's victory was a major surprise, as he was not considered a favorite for the stage. However, he put in a strong performance from the start and gradually extended his lead over his rivals.
“I am very happy with my performance today,” Ayuso said after the stage. “I did not expect to win, but I felt good from the start and gave it my all. It is a dream come true to win a stage on the Tour de France.”
Van der Poel was also pleased with his performance, saying: “I am very happy to be back in yellow. The time trial was not my best discipline, but I did a good job and I am now in a good position in the overall standings.”
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