July 21, 2012 (Ville-Marie, QC) – On Friday, for this big comeback in the region of Temiscamingue, the racers traveled in a fairly tight pack for the 103km required for this fifth stage, which was led once again by American cyclists. Miguel Byron from USA Selection A, who won all three jerseys during the first stage, managed to take the lead, followed closely by Brandon Etzl from Team Canada and Alexander Darville from the United States. Despite the warm temperature and the most undulated path so far, the cyclists maintained a fast rhythm of 43 km/h, for a total time of 2 hours 23 minutes 13 seconds.

In spite of the fact that three cyclists from different teams landed on the podium, the general classification remains unchanged. Therefore, the blue, orange and brown jerseys go the three racers from Team USA Eisenhart, Owen and Darville. The American cyclists keep their lead by occupying the six first places in the general classification.

For his part, the Canadian Chris Prendergast collected numerous points today by winning the two King of the Mountain competitions, taking the second position as best climber, behind Eisenhart who has a seven-point advantage.

Tomorrow, the Tour de l’Abitibi and the Tour de la Relève Desjardins take on the streets of Rouyn-Noranda
Tomorrow, the cyclists will leave from the university in Rouyn-Noranda and will pedal up to Rollet, and will then come back in the city to complete three turns in the streets of Rouyn-Noranda, for a total distance of 115.7 km. The Tour de la Relève Desjardins also starts tomorrow, with numerous competitions for athletes aged 6 to 16.  All the deparatures and arrivals will take place in front of the university.

Results (brief)

1. Miguel Bryon (USA) USA Selection A    2:23:13
2. Brandon Etzl (Can) Team Canada
3. Alexandre Darville (USA) Team USA
4. Setthawut Yordsuwan (Tha) Team Thailand
5. Jordan Duncan (Can) Team Cycling BC
6. Max Toeldte (Can) Team Atlantic
7. Romeo Daniel Quicibal Estrada (Gua) Team Guatemala
8. Travis Samuel (Can) Team Ontario
9. Adam Kopera (Can) Team Ontario
10. Olivier Miclette (Can) Equipe du Québec

GC after Stage 5

1. Taylor Eisenhart (USA) Team USA    8.44:59
2. Alexandre Darville (USA) Team USA    0:47
3. Gregory Daniel (USA) Team USA    0:51
4. Alexey Vermeulen (USA) Team USA    1:11
5. Owen Logen (USA) Team USA    1:12
6. Geoffrey Curren (USA) Team USA    1:14
7. Evan Hartig (USA) Borah Development    1:15
8. Yohan Patry (Can) Team Canada    1:15
9. Brandon Etzl (Can) Team Canada    1:19
10. Olivier Brisebois (Can) Team Canada    1:26

Full results HERE.