The fifth stage of Paris-Nice was won by Aussie Richie Porte who arrived solo on the top of Montagne de Lure.

The 13.8 km first category climb averaging 6.6 % cost Bart De Clercq (Lotto Belisol) dearly. De Clercq stayed in the group of yellow jersey, Andrew Talansky, for quite some time, but after some accelerations in the group he was unable to maintain the pace. He finished the stage at 1’17” off the winner.

In the GC Bart De Clercq is now 17th at 1’35” of the new leader Porte.

After the stage De Clercq was dissatisfied with own performance, “Today’s stage was disappointing, my legs were the worst of the whole week. The past days I felt really good on the climbs and today that wasn’t the case. During the last ascent I lost time. I think my legs were less good today because of the cold. It is a pity; I am a bit disappointed now. I simply wasn’t good enough.”

His inability to stay with the best on the final climb cost De Clercq his place in the top ten overall. “At the start of this stage I was tenth and I would have liked to hold on to that position. On the final day there will be some re-arrangements, but I think I have lost my place in the top ten today. But we’ll see. Tomorrow the last climb is too far from the finish, so that won’t make a difference for the GC. I rather expect that everything will be defined in the climb time trial on Sunday.”