Since 2017 and his memorable double of stages in the Tour de France, +Wawa+ had only raised his arms twice: in the 2019 French championship and, more anecdotally, in the Tour du Limousin.

"Today I told myself it was a one-day race and I gave it my all, commented the 30-year-old Breton. It's very nice to have a victory at this level. I I was criticized a lot when I was not on the street either. More is always expected of me."

The joy of Frenchman Warren Barguil, winner of the 5th stage of Tirreno-Adriatico, disputed between Sefro and Fermo, March 11, 2022 Luca Bettini AFP

Member of the breakaway of twelve riders who formed after about fifty of the 155 hilly terminals between Sefro in the Marches and Fermo near the Adriatic, Barguil attacked in two stages in the final.

A first time at 5 km then another at the start of the final climb of Fermo and its last three kilometers in a roller coaster comprising an 800 meter ramp with up to 21% gradient.

"It's cycling as I like, appreciates the Frenchman who is celebrating his 7th professional victory. You have to manage in the breakaway, play it tactical and be smart. You don't necessarily have to be the strongest."

Frenchman Warren Barguil, on his way to victory in the 5th stage of Tirreno-Adriatico, disputed between Sefro and Fermo, March 11, 2022 Luca Bettini AFP

The Slovenian Tadej Pogacar still dominates the general classification of the "race of the two seas", almost unchanged despite a switch problem which could have cost the Belgian Remco Evenepoel dearly, ultimately still second at 9 seconds.

He who had launched an attack 8 km from the finish led Pogacar and his Tour de France runner-up Jonas Vingegaard on the wrong road, which caused him to lose contact with the peloton.

An incident favorable to Barguil but ultimately without consequence for the Belgian since he finished in the top-10 of the stage, like all the favorites, around thirty seconds from the winner.

Only the Australian Richie Porte nibbled two seconds.

Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, at the finish of the 5th stage of Tirreno-Adriatico, disputed between Sefro and Fermo, March 11, 2022 Luca Bettini AFP

The queen stage on Saturday offering two ascents of Monte Carpegna (6 km at 9.9% average gradient) in the Apennines, will undoubtedly crown the winner, with an expected duel between Pogacar and Evenepoel.

© 2022 AFP