Greipel wins fifth stage

German rider Andre Greipel of the Lotto-Soudal team won the fifth stage of the Tour de France, a 189.5-km ride from Arras on Wednesday. Slovakia's Peter Sagan was second for Tinkoff-Saxo and Briton Mark Cavendish of Etixx-Quick Step took third place.

Having won Sunday's second stage, Greipel kept his hold on the green points jersey and also maintained German domination of Tour sprints following the success of Marcel Kittel the previous two years.

"Two victories, it's great," said Greipel after his win. "It was the first box sprint... it was interesting. With 300 metres to go I thought I was boxed in, but I saw a gap and went for it."

Continuous rain hampered the riders as they powered through Somme, the place of the famous World War One Battle of Somme in 1916. Before racing got underway, wreaths were laid down by several riders at the Franco-British cemetary in Arras.

The flat stage was supossed the bring some relaxation to the riders, following three days of gruling racing on dangerous roads, but drama ensued once again. Half an hour before Greipel crossed the line, another huge crash happened. About 30 riders hit the tarmac, including Frenchman Thibaut Pinot, who finished third last year. Fortunately the riders went down at moderate speed after one of them hit barriers on the side of the road and none appeared seriously injured.

Martin remains in control

Fellow German Tony Martin has held onto the leader's yellow jersey which he took off 2013 champion Chris Froome on Tuesday, the latter remaining second overall at 12 seconds. Reigning champion Vincenzo Nibali is still just over a minute and half behind Froome with Nairo Quintana even further back at almost 2 minutes. But two-time former winner Alberto Contador is eighth overall at 48 seconds and 36 seconds behind Froome.

"I need a couple of days to realize what I've done," said Martin following the fifth stage.

Thursday's 191km sixth stage takes the riders from Abbeville to Le Havre.

apc/ (AP, AFP)