Basque Country: Lipowitz moves up to second place

German cycling star Florian Lipowitz narrowly missed out on stage victory at the Tour of the Basque Country, but took second place in the overall standings. The Tour de France bronze medallist was narrowly beaten by overall leader Paul Seixas in the sprint on the difficult fifth stage over 176.2 kilometres with eight mountain classifications around Eibar. For the 19-year-old super talent from France, it was his third stage win in the difficult tour.

With 30 kilometres to go, Lipowitz attacked on the penultimate climb, but was unable to shake off Seixas. In contrast, his Red Bull team-mate Primoz Roglic - until then second overall - had to let go. The duo finished more than a minute ahead of the chasers.

Lipowitz, who is getting stronger from day to day, is now 2:30 minutes behind Seixas in the overall standings. The Slovenian Roglic (3:40) follows in third place. A challenging 135.2 kilometre stage from Goizper-Antzuola to Bergara awaits on Saturday, when a total of six mountain classifications have to be mastered.

Seixas gives the French hope

Seixas will then be in with a chance of his first WorldTour victory. The youngster is France's great hope of finally securing the first overall victory for a local rider in the Tour in the coming years after more than 40 years. The last French victory to date was achieved by Bernard Hinault in 1985.

Seixas had already finished third at the European Championships last autumn behind superstar Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel. He won the first two stages of the Tour of the Basque Country in superior style and then steadily extended his lead.

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