Hannes Wilksch rounded out an attacking display from Development Team DSM on stage 5 of the Giro d’Italia U23 with fifth place, going all in with a solo bid for the stage victory in the last 10 kilometres only to be caught in the last kilometre.

Having started the stage with a solid plan of covering any potential moves on the first climb and the downhill after it, the team managed to cover the day’s major move which was sparked by FDJ who attacked as a unit placing four riders in the break of six, alongside Lorenzo Milesi.

The team were able to sit in both up front and in the peloton behind, leaving the chase to other teams and focusing on going on the offensive once the move had been brought back. With the race back together, Wilksch put in a big effort in the final 10 kilometres moving clear alone at the front of the race and building a lead of over 30 seconds. He was eventually caught by a chase group of four making it five at the front of the race, before then finishing fifth having given his all for the stage win.

Hannes Wilksch commented after the stage: “Overall we had a good day. First Lorenzo was in the break not needing to work with the others, so behind we could relax in the bunch. Then when the break got caught Oscar, Max and I tried to go in the moves and get clear. It wasn’t really working so with one lap to go on the last climb I attacked and was alone in the front with four chasing.

“I thought I’d make it alone to the finish but unfortunately the race was one kilometre too long and I got caught by the four behind. I then still gave it everything to the finish to get some time for the GC.”

Team DSM coach Boris Zimine added: “Yeah, the day went really well today. We had a plan to be sharp on the first climb and first downhill as we expected something from FDJ. The goal was to have one with them as we expected them to try something as a team. Lorenzo, who is strong descending, went with their attack and we ended up with six up front with Lorenzo there with four FDJ. It was a good situation as we didn’t need to work in the break or in the bunch.

“There were only around 50 riders in the bunch and the others worked hard all day to catch the break, closing it down. with around 20 kilometres to go. At the end on the last lap the plan was to try to race on the offensive with Oscar, Max and Hannes. Hannes made a big attack in the last clim with 10k to go solo. Unfortunately he was caught by four others with one kilometre to go but he finished fifth and got some time back on GC too. It was a good day and strong teamwork again from the guys.”