Jake Stewart wins Dauphine stage five in a powerful display of sprinting prowess, marking a career milestone for the 24-year-old British cyclist. The thrilling finish in Mâcon saw Stewart edge out Italian favorite Jonathan Milan in a high-speed sprint after 183 kilometers of racing.
The stage wasn’t without drama: Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, the overall race leader, suffered a crash in the final 500 meters but managed to finish and retain the yellow jersey, thanks to a new time-equalizing rule.
How Stewart Won Dauphine Stage Five in a Perfect Sprint Finish
Jake Stewart, riding for Israel–Premier Tech, took advantage of a well-timed sprint during the final kilometer. His early launch, combined with a favorable tailwind, helped him hold off Milan, who had been tipped to dominate the stage.
“It feels great,” said Stewart. “It’s unfortunate Pascal [Ackermann] crashed earlier, but the team trusted me, and I’m glad I could deliver.”
This victory marks Stewart’s first win in a World Tour stage, and he did it on one of cycling’s most prestigious pre-Tour races—the Critérium du Dauphiné. His performance underscores the growing depth in British cycling ahead of this year’s Tour de France.
Evenepoel Crashes During Dauphine Stage Five but Holds GC Lead
As Jake Stewart wins Dauphine stage five, the spotlight also fell on Remco Evenepoel, who crashed just 500 meters from the finish. His yellow jersey was visibly torn, but the Belgian champion suffered only minor injuries and reassured fans afterward:
“No major injuries, just a few scratches. I’m okay,” he told reporters at the finish line.
Thanks to the new 5km rule introduced this season, Evenepoel was awarded the same finish time as the peloton despite the crash. This regulation, similar to the long-standing 3km rule, aims to prevent GC contenders from losing time due to crashes near the finish.
A Closer Look at Stage Five
- Start Point: Amplepuis
- Finish Line: Mâcon
- Distance: 183 km
- Stage Type: Flat, sprint-friendly with mild elevations
- Weather: Calm with favorable tailwind for sprinters
The stage was expected to culminate in a bunch sprint, and it delivered, with teams like Lidl–Trek, UAE Team Emirates, and Israel–Premier Tech organizing their lead-outs. The final kilometer was hectic, with crashes disrupting sprint plans—but Stewart seized the opportunity with precision and confidence.
Stewart’s Technical Edge in Dauphine Stage Five: The Mysterious New Bike
One talking point after Stewart’s win was the prototype bike he rode. The bicycle features a revolutionary front fork design that has stirred interest among competitors and fans. Though Stewart declined to offer specifics, saying:
“I’m not allowed to say too much about that,”
insiders believe the aerodynamic enhancements gave him a marginal gain that may have made a crucial difference in the close finish.
Dauphine Stage Five Results Shake Up GC Standings
With Stewart winning stage five, the GC dynamics remain largely unchanged due to the 5km rule. Evenepoel still leads the general classification, but the upcoming Alpine stages are expected to be decisive.
Top 5 General Classification (after Stage Five):
- Remco Evenepoel (Soudal–Quick-Step)
- Primož Roglič (Bora–Hansgrohe) – +32 seconds
- Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) – +38 seconds
- Sepp Kuss (Jumbo–Visma) – +44 seconds
- Ben O’Connor (AG2R Decathlon) – +55 seconds
As the race heads into the mountains, climbing specialists like Roglič and Kuss may test Evenepoel’s resilience.
Dauphiné’s Role as Tour de France Preview
The Critérium du Dauphiné is often seen as a dress rehearsal for the Tour de France, and for good reason. It shares similar terrains, weather conditions, and team strategies.
Jake Stewart’s success signals that he could be a dark horse sprinter in July’s Tour, especially if he continues to benefit from team support and technical innovations. His victory here also shines a light on the Israel–Premier Tech squad, which may be underestimated by larger teams.
British Riders on the Rise After Stewart Wins Dauphine Stage Five
Stewart joins a strong British contingent heading toward the Tour de France, including riders like:
- Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) – GC contender
- Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers) – all-rounder
- Fred Wright (Bahrain–Victorious) – breakaway specialist
With Stewart now proving his sprinting capability at the World Tour level, Team GB’s chances for stage wins this summer have significantly improved.
What’s Ahead After Stewart Wins Dauphine Stage Five
The race now turns toward the high Alps, where climbers will begin to attack.
- Stage 6: A 126.7km climb-heavy day finishing in Combloux
- Stage 7: Features three hors catégorie climbs and finishes in Valmeinier
- Stage 8: A short, punchy final stage that could see last-minute GC changes
These mountain stages are expected to sort out the real contenders from the pretenders. Riders like Ayuso, Roglič, and Kuss are ready to pounce if Evenepoel shows signs of weakness.
Conclusion: Stewart Wins Dauphine Stage Five, Shakes Up the Sprint Scene
The fact that Jake Stewart wins Dauphine stage five is not just a headline—it’s a potential shift in the sprinting landscape. Stewart’s triumph came against seasoned rivals and under pressure, making it a defining moment in his budding career.
As the peloton ascends into the mountains, the storylines will now focus on GC dynamics. But for now, stage five belongs to Stewart, who showed that belief, timing, and a fast bike can deliver a dream victory on cycling’s biggest stages.
