The fifth stage, which included three challenging climbs and 4,700 metres of elevation, was appropriately called the queen stage. At the bottom of the Furkapass climb, a large group broke away from the peloton. Van Aert jumped with them, picking up maximum points for the general classification.

After Van Aert was caught on the slopes of the Albula Pass, he helped Kelderman by keeping the pace high. The Dutchman then took over but had no answer to Juan Ayuso's attack. The Spaniard proved to be the day's best climber and finished one minute ahead of his competitors.

Kelderman crossed the finish line in sixth place and is in sixth overall, with two stages to go. "Wilco showed a super high level. Every day, he demonstrates why he is among the best climbers", sports director Marc Reef said. "The plan was to have someone with us in the breakaway to help Wilco on the final climb. Wout did a good job for him on the last climb, so that little plan worked out."