Cobo takes stage five

Second behind the Saunier Duval-Prodir rider was Spaniard Samuel Sanchez, more than a minute back. Their compatriot Koldo Gil took third.

Part of a group of 15 breakaways, Cobo shook off his most persistent rival, Sanchez, on the last climb of the day, the Alto de Erlaitz. He then went solo to the finish for his second stage victory in five days.

Overnight leader Angel Vicioso of Spain finished nearly two minutes behind, slipping back to second overall.

After successfully tackling the difficult, waterlogged, descent that followed, Cobo then soloed to a second stage win after his victory on stage one.

Second was Sanchez, one minute and three seconds behind. Cobo's team mate and compatriot Koldo Gil finished third, a further 35 seconds back despite crashing.

"I followed the team's plan for the day to the letter, and it couldn't have worked out better," Cobo said afterwards. "Sanchez and I wanted to stay away together until the end, but then as he was getting weaker, I decided to attack."

In third place overall, Sanchez is now too far back to fight for final victory.

Looking to ease the pressure on his shoulders, Cobo insisted that Vicioso remained most likely to win the race despite Friday's defeat.

"He's a much better time triallist than me, and I've worn myself out in today's stage," Cobo said.

Ninth on stage five and one minute 55 seconds back, Vicioso returned the compliment by arguing that "Cobo is the leader and he's more likely to win overall".

Saturday's 14-km time trial will settle the contest.