Britain’s Matthew Brennan claimed his second win at the Vuelta a Espana in a sprint finish on stage five.

The 21-year-old Visma–Lease a Bike rider comfortably held off Belgium’s Jordi Meeus and Italy’s Vincenzo Albanese on the run in to the line at the end of the 173.3km route into Roquetes Terres de l’Ebre.

Tadej Pogacar, who is aiming to complete the full set of Grand Tour victories, finished inside the main bunch to retain a healthy overall race lead.

The Slovenian, who won a record-equalling fifth Tour de France earlier this year and triumphed in the Giro d’Italia in 2024, now sits three minutes and 21 seconds ahead of his compatriot Primoz Roglic.

While Pogacar looks a class apart in the general classification race, sprinter Brennan again underlined his burgeoning reputation on his debut in one of cycling’s big three races.

“You can see throughout the day everyone just went full [gas]. That’s my second one in the bag in my first Grand Tour. I’m very thankful to finish it off again,” said Brennan, who also took stage two.

“Last corner I lost my wheel a bit but glad I could stay safe. Glad we could finish with our arms in the air.”

On Thursday the race takes in four categorised climbs and a steep gravel section in the concluding 25km of the 177.5km journey from Alcossebre to Castellon de la Plana.