July 25, 2009 (Val-d’Or, QC) – Austrian Marco Haller proves again he is the one to beat at the sprint, winning by the smallest of margins, in what was an exhilarating chase to the finish line. Without a doubt, Pierrick Naud’s valiant efforts to reach the front runners in the last stretch of the sprint and finishing second was what had the crowd cheering.

For a third consecutive time, Marco Haller receives the gold medal in the present Tour de l’Abitibi and retains the orange jersey. Both Andrew Barker of the U.S. National Team and Anders Newbury of the Baraboo Sharks hold on to the brown and blue jerseys respectively.

The fifth stage from Rouyn-Noranda to Val-d’Or, held two ‘King of the Mountain’ and two bonus sprints that had the riders setting their sights on the front of the pack. The many breakaways that ensued however never amounted to more than 15 second leads. This would explain the tight knit pack in the streets of Val-d’Or for the final three laps of the race.

The U.S. National Team who were out to consolidate their second place overall by dominating the front of the packe, were finally caught by the Japanese who positioned three riders on the finish line. Their team effort paid off as Tomohiro Kinoshita placed third at the checkered flag, earning Team Japan their second bronze medal of the Tour.

Abitibians had a lot to cheer about as Pierrick Naud from Amos visited the podium a second time to receive second place honors, while Jean-Samuel Deshaies of the Quebec team finished in fifth place.

The Tour’s most anticipated event, the urban circuit, a 12.4 km, 8 lap race in the streets of Val-D’Or will be held tomorrow. The sixth of a total seven stages is scheduled to start at 4:45 p.m. In front of the Val-d’Or city hall.

Brown jersey (first individual GC):
Andrew Barker (USA National Team)

Orange jersey (points leader):
Marco Haller (Austria)

Blue jersey (first year best junior):
Andres Newbury (Baraboo Shark)

Stage 5 full results here.
GC after Stage 5 here.

Results

1. Marco Haller (Autriche) 2:35:20
2. Pierrick Naud (Canada)
3. Tomohiro Kinoshita (Japon)
4. Colten Barrett (ISCorp Junior Cycling)
5. Jean-Samuel Deshaies (Équipe Québec)
6. Frédéric Poisson (Équipe Québec)
7. Nawuti Liphongyu (Thaïlande)
8. Mark Sehested Pedersen (Danemark)
9. Marc-André Bonneau (EVA Devinci)
10. Ricky Gargiulo (Young Medalist)

GC after Stage 5

1. Andrew Barker (USA National Team) 8:56:54
2. Charlie Avis (USA National Team) 0:04
3. Anders Newbury (Baraboo Sharks) 0:24
4. Taylor Gunman (Nouvelle-Zélande) 0:24
5. Antoine Duchesne (Canada) 0:33
6. Stuart Wight (Canada) 0:39
7. Nicolas-Amstrup Madsen (Danemark) 1:31
8. Ryan Aitcheson (Canada) 1:55
9. Ty Magner (Florida Vélo Development) 2:03
10. Martin Weiss (Autriche) 2:16