Vuelta a España Stage 5 Prediction: Can Primoz Roglic Continue Dominating?

With Primoz Roglic winning stage 4 quite convincingly, we have the race track lined up for the upcoming fixture. Going in the game, Wednesday will take the anguish of the Basques and add a few additional percentage points thanks to a fifth stage that resembles stage 4 from Tuesday. In a day that might go in nearly any direction, fresh punctures, stage-hunters, and new red jersey Primo Rogli will be on patrol during a lengthy and viciously uphill ride down the coast from Irn to the main Basque metropolis Bilbao.

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It's quite evident that the cyclists are investing themselves fully in the contest as Mountain trails can be rewarding at times, and a decent portion of points will be up for a grab. There are quite a few riders that intentionally lost time early to be permitted in the break, either to collect more mountain points or get a stage win, as there are up to 19 points to be granted in the Mountain Classifications. On the other hand, those who are closer to the Red jersey will be going for the lead of the race, which Team Jumbo-Visma would not mind. Stage 5 of 2022 Vuelta a Espana appears to be setting up for the first breakaway victory.

By donning the Polka jersey and even the Red jersey, Rein Taaramae and Kenny Elissonde both helped to liven up the Vuelta early days of the previous year. The situation is a little different this year, though, as they are both fewer than two minutes behind the red jersey. They might be permitted to leave during the break, but whether they would rather store their energy to try to keep up with the top guys on the upcoming difficult days depends on their personal goals for the Vuelta.

Despite having alternative options, Jan Hirt appears to be the ideal choice for Team Intermarche Wanty Gobert. I'm not sure why he's already 20 minutes behind, but if he's in shape and gets into the breakaway, it's quite doubtful that anyone will be able to catch up to him.

Jesus Herrada appears to be the most likely candidate to represent Team Cofidis during the break. Nothing less than a guy in the breakaway is acceptable to Team Alpecin-Deceuninck. Although Jay Vine is the most likely and anticipated rider, Xandro Meurisse is an extremely versatile rider who will take a chance.

Going in the Stage 5 race on the Laguardia mountaintop on Tuesday, Rogli and GC rivals Enric Mas, Remco Evenepoel, and Jai Hindley didn't hesitate to secure an early red jersey, and they're not likely to back down on the roads to Irun either.

• Primoz Roglic Wins - Yes for 9
• Remco Evenepoel - In Top 3 - Yes for 4.5
• Jesús Herrada - In Top 3 - Yes for 11