Farrar flies in as Roche holds his ground

CYCLING/Vuelta a Espana: Ireland’s Nicolas Roche held on to 11th spot after the 198

CYCLING/Vuelta a Espana:Ireland's Nicolas Roche held on to 11th spot after the 198.8-kilometres fifth stage from Guadix to Lorca as he came home in the bunch sprint today.

American Tyler Farrar won the sprint finish from Spain’s Koldo Fernandez and Britain’s Mark Cavendish, with Roche placed 26th.

Philip Deignan also came home in the same time but remains towards the back of the field, some 40 minutes behind Belgian race leader Philippe Gilbert.

Gilbert has a lead of 10 seconds from Igor Anton and Joaquin Rodriguez, with Roche 58 seconds adrift of the red jersey holder.

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Tomorrow’s stage traverses the 144km between Caravaca de Cruz and Murcia.