Modolo sprints to win, Martin stays in yellow

AFP/Bueren an der Aare (Switzerland)

Sacha Modolo stayed clear of a pile-up in the sprint to the finish line to win stage five of the Tour of Switzerland yesterday with Germany’s Tony Martin once more retaining the overall lead.

Lampre rider Modolo fended off the challenge of stage three winner Peter Sagan and John Degenkolb down the stretch while Mark Cavendish saw his hopes dashed after crashing 300 metres from the finish.

“When the finish is on a slight rise like that, I know it suits me really well,” Modolo said.

“I knew that I had to be first through the last corner and that I had to beat Sagan. I was on his wheel and then moved past him. He tried to force me wide as is to be expected but I felt good and got past him.”

It’s Modolo’s seventh victory of the season, including two wins at the Mallorca Challenge, and the biggest of his career.

“This is an important win in my career. I haven’t raced for two months due to an injury so it’s great to win now and go the Tour de France knowing that I can beat certain riders.”

Martin, who has worn the leader’s yellow jersey since winning the opening time-trial, crossed with the peloton to maintain his six second lead over Dutchman Tom Dumoulin.

Prior to Wednesday’s stage Bradley Wiggins, the 2012 Tour de France champion, withdrew from the race following his crash a day earlier that left him with grazes and swelling to his right leg.

Wiggins had also been suffering from a mild chest infection and his disappointing display in Switzerland could well end his chances of riding in next month’s Tour de France.

Team Sky are set to announce their nine-man line-up for the Tour, which starts July 5 in Leeds, England and runs until July 27, following the conclusion of this race.

Today’s sixth stage will see riders tackle four climbs, including the ascent of the category one Grand Chaumont, on a 184km trip from Buren an der Aare to French-speaking Delemont.