Simon pips Uran to stage win in Catalonia as Albasini holds on to lead

Julien Simon wins Tour of Catalonia 2012 stage 5

Tour of Catalonia leader Michael Albasini (GreenEdge) has taken a massive step towards his biggest ever victory after keeping his rivals at bay on a tough mountain stage, despite very limited support, on Friday.

Albasini finished seventh on the 207 kilometre stage in the race's third small group sprint in four days, won on this occasion by Saur-Sojasun rider Julien Simon. Rigoberto Uran (Sky), the winner of stage four, finished a close second.

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