Stage five was labeled the Tappa del Muri, a stage packed with short but brutally steep climbs. The real challenge, however, came in the final kilometers.

On the last climb of the day, some of the top contenders turned up the pace, significantly reducing the main group. Yates, Valter, and Uijtdebroeks managed to stay in touch, finishing in the same time as their rivals. Early breakaway rider Fredrik Dversnes took the stage win.

“It went well today”, Yates reflected on the stage. “The breakaway was really strong, and as a team, we decided not to take control but to conserve our energy instead. In the final, we made sure to stay sharp, and we succeeded. We gave our best effort and finished in the same time as the competition.”

Once again, the riders faced tough conditions, with wind playing a major role today. “That made things a bit tricky. At times, it was all about staying upright and avoiding any crashes. Fortunately, we got through the stage without any issues. Now, we can fully focus on tomorrow’s stage. Hopefully, I can make an impact there. My form isn’t at its peak yet in this first race of the season, but my motivation is never in question”, Yates added.