Started from Lida Station, riders who survived in the 12.2 km circuit course for 10 laps got their chance to fight for the victory at Matsuo Stadium. With the slope over 10%, it could be a challenge for our best young rider. But Cortina made it to the finish, he was leading the chase to the defending champion on the downhill, and sprint us another podium finish in Minami Shinshu stage.
“I was riding full gas, thinking about making it to the finish, I thought I can win the stage. But one kilometer to finish, the peloton caught me, I took the wheel of Canola in the sprint, I almost got him, it was really close today, I am happy because I have legs and feel very strong, but also a little bit furious too. I want to say thank you for all the team for supporting me, Tokyo will be my last opportunity!”
Earlier today, it was Taiwanese rider Chun-Kai Feng, who joined the 8-man breakaway, while riders were dropped from lap to lap, he fought hard until very last lap. Domen and Cortina both conquered the climbs successfully, and it was Cortina joined the fast and furious sprint. This impressive performance brought us the white jersey to Stage 6, the signature mountain in Japan.
Coming up, stage 6 will be the day for Domen Novak, our GC boy, he said: “I am feeling good. I will check other guys and see which tempo I go on the mountain; we will see tomorrow!”

Source: BNA