HA NOI — Dinh Quoc Viet of Vinamit won the yellow jersey for best overall time in the 128km fifth stage of the 24th HCM City Television Cup yesterday.

Viet clocked 10:05:58 after five stages. He was followed by Mai Nguyen Hung, of Sai Gon Plant Protection who won the fourth stage on Tuesday, and Phan Thanh Dien, of An Giang Plant Protection.

After being unsuccessful thus far, cyclists from Sai Gon Plant Protection, Vinamit and ADC-Vinh Long Television were keen for the win, reaching speeds of 40kph.

However, the stage belonged to Nguyen Thanh Tam of An Giang Plant Protection with a time of 3:05.19 and a top speed of 41.443kmh.

Sai Gon Plant Protection's Le Van Duan and Hung were runners-up.

Duan continued to hold the green jersey as best sprinter with 52 points, followed by Hung (48 points) and Bui Minh Thuy of ADC-Vinh Long Television (42 points).

In the team race, Military Zone 7 took the lead with a time of 30:20.21. An Giang Plant Protection and Domesco Pharmacy Dong Thap team finished second and third, respectively.

Today, cyclists contest the 179km sixth stage from Quang Ngai City to Quy Nhon.

The 1,800km event has attracted 72 cyclists from 11 teams across the country. Run in 15 stages, it is held annually to celebrate the anniversary of the National Reunification Day on April 30. — VNS