Slovenia's Luka Mezgec won his third stage of this year's Tour of Catalonia on Friday while Joaquim Rodriguez held on to the overall lead despite the intimidating presence of Alberto Contador at his shoulder.
Slovenian rider Luka Mezgec (Giant-Shimano) celebrates his victory on the podium of the first stage of the Tour of Catalonia cycling race in Calella, on March 24, 2014
Mezgec, who won the event's first two stages this week, dominated a sprint finish to claim victory on the fifth stage, a 218km run from Camprodon to Valls.
The 25-year-old finished ahead of two French riders, Julian Alaphilippe and Samuel Dumoulin.
Contador came home in sixth spot to remain just four seconds behind Rodriguez in the standings.
The sixth and penultimate stage takes place on Saturday over 172km from El Vendrell to Vilanova.