CAN THO (VNS) — Nguyen Hoang Giang maintains his leader position in the Return to the Countryside cycling tournament, staying on top for three continuous stages after the 79km Soc Trang City-Can Tho City stage yesterday.

Giang of Hat Ngoc Troi An Giang got a personal best time of 11:47.50 for five stages. Phan Tuan Vu of Can Tho followed, and Giang's teammate Pham Minh Triet pulled into third place.

The fifth stage win went to Nguyen Truc Xinh of Ben Tre. Tran Nguyen Duy Nhan of Military Zone 7 and Nguyen Huu Tien from Domesco Dong Thap came second and third, respectively.

With two of their athletes securing a place in the top three, Hat Ngoc Troi An Giang stands comfortably in position to win the team ranking with a total time of 35:25.48.

An Giang Plant Protection finished second and Vinh Long came in close behind.

Today's sixth stage goes from Can Tho to Tra Vinh City, an 88km stretch. — VNS