After yesterday's stage four in the Vuelta a España, Floris De Tier showed again his good legs in stage five. With teammate Sepp Kuss, the Belgian climber was part of the decisive breakaway. After the leading group was split up, De Tier just fell short to compete for the victory in Roquetas de Mar and placed fifth.

The efforts of a three-week high-altitude training camp in Kühtai, Austria, with Team LottoNL-Jumbo are paying off for De Tier in Spain. Three out of the 25 leaders managed to separate themselves and battle for the stage win together. De Tier followed with two fellow chasers.

"I felt on the climb that I was the strongest," De Tier said. "After the descent, the other two weren't too fresh anymore. That's a pity. If I was with two big engines, we might have come back. Then we could have had a chance to win the stage."

There's not much time to sorrow. "My role here is clear: give my all for Steven and George. But once you get the chance to join the break, you have to try and go for it. Fifth is actually a shame. My legs were good and I don't get so many chances to win." 

Sports Director Addy Engels approved the moves of Kuss and De Tier. "It was very good that Sepp and Floris were up there," he explained. "These boys are not often in such a situation. Floris was one of the strongest on the last climb, but then it was already too late to challenge the leaders. They came close in the end, only because the riders in the front were looking to each other. Floris rode a good race nevertheless, with a nice result for himself."

Engels has already turned the page. "It is nice that young boys occasionally have the opportunity to ride for the victory at this level. They learn a lot and it is good for their self-confidence and motivation. Now we shouldn't waste our energy too much for a couple of days. There are still two more weeks remaining, and Sepp and Floris have to support Steven and George in the mountains. Soon they have to be up there again, like they did yesterday in a perfect way. They can't be too worn out."