Often he makes mistakes in timing and tactical choices, but when he picks the right moment, Ben Healy truly puts on a show. And that's exactly what happened today in the fifth stage of the Itzulia Basque Country, the Urduña - Gernika-Lumo, 172.3 km long. The EF Education Easypost Irish rider dropped everyone when 57 kilometers were left to the finish and flew away in perfect solitude, climbing hills and tackling descents, always pushing hard to secure a truly prestigious victory.

Behind Healy, who achieved his ninth career success, the French rider Axel Laurance (Ieos Grenadiers) placed second, just ahead of the group, which was led by Simone Velasco from Xds Astana, who thus secured third place.

Nothing changes in the general classification with Joao Almeida (UAE Emirates XRG) maintaining the leadership and preparing to defend his position in tomorrow's challenging stage in Eibar, characterized by seven GPM in just 153 km.

STAGE RESULTS

1. Healy Ben (EF Education-EasyPost) in 03:55:57
2. Laurance Axel (INEOS Grenadiers) + 01:47
3. Velasco Simone (XDS Astana Team) + 01:48
4. Aranburu Alex (Cofidis)
5. Grégoire Romain (Groupama-FDJ)
6. Van Gils Maxim (Red Bull-BORA-hansgroh)
7. Miquel Delgado Pau (Equipo Kern Pharma)
8. Jegat Jordan (Team TotalEnergies)
9. Champoussin Clément (XDS Astana Team)
10. Silva Thomas (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA)