Vuelta: Marc Soler wins stage five as Rudy Molard takes red jersey

Ireland's Sam Bennett held onto the green jersey as he remains top of the points rankings while compatriot Ryan Mullen finished safely down the order in the Vuelta a España

HOME FAVOURITE: Spanish rider Marc Soler of UAE team Emirates celebrates after winning the 5th stage of the Vuelta cycling race between Irun and Bilbao. Pic: AP Photo/Miguel Oses

Marc Soler ended Spain’s two-year wait for a stage winner at a Grand Tour as a late solo attack earned him victory on stage five of the Vuelta a España on Wednesday.

Frenchman Rudy Molard (Groupama-FDJ) took the overall lead after a hilly 187.2km ride from Irun to Bilbao. UAE-Team Emirates rider Soler attacked from a chasing group to catch and pass Molard’s British teammate, Jake Stewart on the final climb and stayed away to cross the line four seconds clear.