Benjamin Giraud (La Pomme Marseille) broke the dominance of the Italian riders at the Tour of Hainan when he won the bunch sprint on stage 5. He relegated past stage winners Sacha Modolo (Lampre-Merida) and Andrea Palini (Skydive Dubai) into the minor podium positions but second was enough for Modolo to defend the overall lead.

The 191km stage from Chengmai to Qiongzhong kicked off with a series of attacks. One of those moves included Josef Cerny (CCC Sprandi) who pulled away with Vitaliy Buts (Ukraine). They were soon reeled in though. The day’s main breakaway was established after no less than 46 kilometers of racing. Taras Voropayev (Vino 4ever), Yusup Abrekov (Beijing Innova Cycling Team) and Buts managed to join the escape.

They were steadily building an advantage and with 105 kilometers into the stage it was at 3:30. The leading group began to split and Voropayev was the only one, who stayed in the lead. Eventually he was also caught, and with 38 kilometers remaining the race started again.

Alessandro Malaguti (Nippo – Vini Fantini) tried a solo action and was chased by Bakhtiyar Kozhatayev (Astana), Szymon Rekita (Trek Factory Racing) and Soufiane Haddi (Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling Team – Al Ahli Club). They couldn’t hold off the bunch and the race came back together with 6 kilometers to go. Again it was the sprinters who were going for the victory.

The sprint was interrupted by a late crash.  Benjamin Giraud (Team Marseille 13 KTM) avoided the carnage and took the win. Sacha Modolo (Lampre-Merida) and Andrea Palini (Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling Team – Al Ahli Club) were second and third respectively.

Modolo extended his lead over Palini to 11 seconds ahead of Sunday's stage which should be another one for the sprinters.