Frenchman Jerome Cousin wins stage 5 from the breakaway at Paris-Nice

Direct Energie's Jerome Cousin beat Nils Politt of Katusha-Alpecin in a final sprint, the last two survivors of the breakaway

The fifth stage started Salon-de-Provence and finished 165 kilometers later in the town of Sisteron. The route included several climbs, including the first-category Col de Lagarde-d'Apt, but its relatively flat finale still seemed suitable for a sprint finish.

Four riders established the day's breakaway; Politt, Cousin, Julien El Fares (Delko Marseille Provence) and Nicolas Edet (Cofidis) attacked in the first kilometers and created a gap of just over five minutes.

Ther advantage was slowly reduced as the peloton started to chase.

Politt attacked when the peloton neared and was joined by Cousin. The German put in a big effort to stay ahead of the pack, while trying to motivate Cousin to take more turns.

Politt attempted two more attacks in the last few kilometers but could not get away from Cousin, who sprinted to victory as Politt lacked the energy to contest.

Meanwhile the peloton with Andre Greipel of Lotto Soudual at the front, finished a few seconds later.

Astana's Luis Leon Sanchez remains at the top of the overall standings.

Tomorrow's sixth stage sees the peloton subjected to no fewer than six smaller ascents, meaning a war of attrition is likely on the road into Vence.

VIDEO: 2019 Paris-Nice Stage 5 Highlights

2018 Paris-Nice Stage 5 Top 10

1 Jerome Cousin (Fra) Direct Energie 3:57:25 
2 Nils Politt (Ger) Katusha-Alpecin 0:00:02 
3 André Greipel (Ger) Lotto Soudal 0:00:04 
4 Magnus Cort (Den) Astana Pro Team   
5 Alexander Kristoff (Nor) UAE Team Emirates   
6 Christophe Laporte (Fra) Cofidis, Solutions Credits   
7 Matteo Trentin (Ita) Mitchelton-Scott   
8 Mike Teunissen (Ned) Team Sunweb   
9 Matti Breschel (Den) EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale   
10 Koen de Kort (Ned) Trek-Segafredo

2018 Paris-Nice GC after Stage 5

1 Luis León Sanchez (Spa) Astana Pro Team 17:45:26 
2 Wout Poels (Ned) Team Sky 0:00:15 
3 Julian Alaphilippe (Fra) Quick-Step Floors 0:00:26 
4 Marc Soler (Spa) Movistar Team   
5 Gorka Izagirre (Spa) Bahrain-Merida 0:00:34 
6 Felix Grossschartner (Aut) Bora-Hansgrohe 0:00:35 
7 Ion Izagirre (Spa) Bahrain-Merida 0:00:42 
8 Tim Wellens (Bel) Lotto Soudal   
9 Sergio Henao (Col) Team Sky 0:00:48 
10 Esteban Chaves (Col) Mitchelton-Scott