SPOLETO, Italy, 14 May 2004 — Australia’s Robbie McEwen won the fifth stage of the Tour of Italy in a massed sprint yesterday as two-time race winner Gilberto Simoni retained the leader’s pink jersey.
McEwen, who rides for the Lotto team, held off Germany’s Olaf Pollack and Marco Zanotti of Italy but one key name missing from the dash to the line was Alessandro Petacchi.
The Italian winner of two stages already this year found himself boxed in involuntarily by teammate Matteo Tosatto at the final bend 450m from the line.
A helpless Petacchi watched as around 20 cyclists overtook him and by the time he was able to extricate himself from the pocket his chance, like the leaders, had flown.
McEwen was the main beneficiary from Petacchi’s ill luck who had finished fourth and second in the past two sprint finishes in this Giro. The 32-year-old Belgium-based Aussie is no stranger to stage success in Italy, having won two in the last two editions.
Simoni, with the Saeco team, maintained his 13 second lead heading into Friday’s 164km sixth stage from here to Valmontone.
McEwen, reflecting on his good day’s work, said: “The uphill finish was tough.
“After the last bend I found myself out on my own, I didn’t realize Petacchi was stuck. He’s very strong but no one’s unbeatable.”
The Australian added: “I want to make it to Milan, but I’ve already had a lot of racing this season and I’ve got to think of the Tour de France.”
Mario Cipollini received warm applause when he came in three minutes behind the main peloton after his crash on Wednesday which left him requiring 14 stitches.
“That was hell,” declared the 2002 world champion who has won a record 42 stages in this event.
“Hopefully I’ll be feeling better tomorrow. Fortunately the fans are amazing!”
