Itzulia Basque Country stage 5 LIVE – Paul Seixas remains in the yellow jersey for the queen stage

And it appears that this will be the break of the day. The peloton has sat up, and allowed them a lead of about three minutes already.

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It’s a large group that’s caught Veistroffer, of over 30 riders it seems.

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It’s all change in the race, as Veistroffer has been joined by a group of riders.

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After a flying start to life at Lidl-Trek with overall victory at Volta ao Algarve, Itzulia Basque Country follows Paris-Nice as the second consecutive stage race the Spaniard has pulled out of. That attracted criticism in some quarters, but his lead defended the decision as the right move to look after his fitness ahead of the coming Ardennes Classics.

Veistroffer’s still out in front alone, as he goes over the second climb of the day. At this rate he could find himself in a similar situation to Brandon McNulty yesterday, who spent a large portion of the day leading the race alone, before eventually burning out to finish almost 20 minutes down.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

They’re on the climb now, with Veistroffer leading the race by just less than one minute.

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It’s been a subdued start so far, but that should be about to change as they ride a short plateau to the foot of the first category one climb of the day, the 5.7km Azurki, which averages a tough 7.7%.

Veistroffer leads the race over the climb, to take the KOM points.

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Baptiste Veistroffer, leading the race

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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Both Fernández and Thompson have been caught, but Veistroffer remains out there alone.

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The peloton were treated to the unusual spectacle of a local traditional ‘Aurresku’ performance before the start of the stage today.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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Reuben Thompson also attacks out of the peloton, and is now third on the road.

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Veistroffer has a lead of a minute over the peloton already, and 30 seconds over the chaser Fernández. That will likely change as they start climbing in a few kilometres.

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The first 10km of this stage are flat, but then the climbing starts with the category three Elkorrieta, and barely relented for the remainder of the day.

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Sinuhé Fernández is in pursuit of Veistroffer.

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Baptiste Veistroffer, who was very busy during the first phase of yesterday’s stage, is the first to get a small gap today.

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If yesterday’s stage is anything to go by, this will be a long, competitive battle to form the day’s break.

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The scene at the start.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

And they’re off!

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The weather continues to smile on the riders, treating them to blue skies and a temperature of over 20 degrees.

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The winner of stage three, Axel Laurance, has not made it to the start this morning. He’s pulled out of the race.

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The riders are making their way though the neutralised zone as we speak.

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Paul Seixas in yellow with his Decathlon CMA CGM team at the start today.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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There was a lot to unpack from yesterday’s hectic stage. Have a read of our report for the full lowdown.