Vuelta a Espana: Gianni Meersman avoids pile-up to win sprint finish

Colombian Darwin Atapuma (BMC) retained the red jersey, despite being held up by the pile-up

Gianni Meersman on the podium after the race (Getty)

Gianni Meersman avoided a massive pile-up to win a tense sprint finish and claim his second stage victory of the a Espana on day five of the race.

The Belgian (Etixx - Quick Step), who also won stage two on Sunday, edged away from the pack - which was reduced to around 20 riders following a crash in the final kilometre - to finish the 171.3km flat route from Viveiro to Lugo in four hours and 16 minutes. The 30-year-old beat Italy's Fabio Felline (Trek-Segafredo) on the line, with France's Kevin Reza (FDJ) finishing third.

Colombian Darwin Atapuma (BMC) retained the red jersey, despite being held up by the pile-up, and now leads Spaniard Alejandro Valverde by 28 seconds in the overall standings, while Britain's Chris Froome is four seconds further back. Speaking to Eurosport, Meersman dedicated his stage wins to his team.

"They really gave me the trust to start in this Vuelta and I really want to give these two victories to the team, they've been incredible," he said. "I really like this team, the atmosphere between the riders and the staff is so good, I really enjoy to be here."

Portuguese rider Tiago Machado (Katusha), who surged at the flag along with France's Julien Morice (Direct Energie), led for the majority of the stage and was first at the top of the only ascent of the day, Puerto de Marco de Alvare, before being caught by the peloton with 14.5km to go.

Australian Simon Clarke (Cannondale - Drapac) and Belgian Philippe Gilbert (BMC) then attempted to break away 2.6km from the end, only to fall away prior to the crash and bunch sprint finish. Stage runner-up Felline said: "It was a rough approach. When Gilbert and Clarke went for it, the pace just had to pick up and make it a little bit more complicated.

In the end it was just getting into a decent position and making my approach properly."

PA.