Enrico Battaglin has sprinted to an impressive win in the fifth stage of the Giro d’Italia. The 28–year-old Italian of Team LottoNL-Jumbo, who finished third in yesterday’s stage, sprinted in Santa Ninfa to his first win of the season. For Battaglin it’s his third stage victory in the Giro. He already won a stage in 2013 and 2014. Battaglin’s victory means the twelfth of the season for the LottoNL-Jumbo formation of manager Richard Plugge.

During the relatively short stage over 153 kilometres through the Sicilian countryside, Battaglin and team captain George Bennett were perfectly protected by their teammates. On the final climb, Bennett brought Battaglin in an ideal position before the final corner, after which the Italian won the sprint with a few bike lengths.

“I’m very, very happy with this win. My last victory was four years ago already, also in the Giro. The fact that I win a stage in the Giro again, means a lot to me and makes it even more beautiful”, Battaglin said. “I’m very proud to be part of Team LottoNL-Jumbo. The team did a perfect job today. Yesterday it didn’t work out, but today I could reward their confidence in me with a victory. I hope to continue my form for the rest of the Giro. After yesterday I wanted to set something right. I made a small mistake after which I finished third. Today, everything went according to plan. I can’t describe the joy I feel.”