Sagan ahead in green race

PETER Sagan has hit back in his green jersey battle with Fernando Gaviria, saluting at the end of a furious finale to Stage 5.

On a gruelling, twisting, uphill stretch to the finish, Sagan again timed his run perfectly, waiting for Philippe Gilbert and then Greg Van Avermaet to try and fail before launching his decisive strike.

The win puts Sagan and Gaviria level on two stage wins each from four road stages, with the former retaining the green jersey.