After losing Robert Gesink, it was left to Bauke Mollema to chase success for Belkin in Tirreno-Adriatico but for the second day in a row, the Dutchman suffered a big time loss in yesterday's second mountain stage. He admits defeat but is hopeful that the race will help him improve his condition for later objectives.

The Belkin Pro Cycling Team accepted Tirreno-Adriatico stage five's results. Bauke Mollema wasn't able to follow the best riders in the race, 192 kilometres from Amatrice to Guardiagrele, and lost time. Alberto Contador won the stage on top of the steep Muro di Guardiagrele and Mollema placed 34th at 5.06 minutes back. 

"This was no surprise after yesterday," said Dutchman Mollema. "Of course I'm disappointed. Things aren't going my way, but it is how it is and I have to accept it. However, I'm confident that I can quickly improve with this race in my legs." 

Mollema praised his teammates' work after climbing the steep 30 per cent pitches to Guardiagrele.

"The boys dropped me off well when we were heading to the long climb. I was at the front when the climb started, but when the race exploded, I was quickly dropped." 

Sports Director Erik Dekker would have liked Mollema to follow longer.

"But what can you do about it?" he said. "It's frustrating, but we have to surrender to the situation." 

Today's flat stage suits sprinters like Robert Wagner. He will have his chance in the 189-kilometre ride from Bucchianico to Porto Sant'Elpidio. 

"With 50 kilometres to go, the riders face a steep climb, but the rest of the course is flat," Dekker said. "We aim to get in the mix for the win with Robert." 

Tirreno-Adriatico ends on Tuesday with a 9.1-kilometre time trial.

You can read our preview of stage 6 here.