Salerno climbs into race lead on Mt Fuji

Cristiano Salerno (De Rosa-Stac Plastic) conquered the 10 per cent average gradient of Japan's Mount Fuji to win the fifth stage of the Tour of Japan on Friday. The Italian's win also lifted him into the overall lead of the race with two stages remaining in the seven-stage event.

As expected, the climb succeeded in re-shaping the overall classification with runner-up Andrey Mizurov moving into second, and his Kazakhstan teammate Alexandr Shushemoin shifting into third overall.

Normally known as a sprinter, Jayco-Skins Michael Matthews put in an impressive performance to finish fourth on the stage, moving him into the same position overall.

"I was hoping to maybe go top ten but not really expecting anything so come out of it in fourth is really good," he said on his team's website. "The aim was to try and stay near the front, well as much as you can anyway when they hit it from the bottom.

"It was really hard from the gun but when the split went I made it and rode good position for the rest of the stage so I'm stoked with the result."

The unique 12km race witnessed a mass start as the peloton tackled the 1200m ascent. The three place getters were able to move away after three kilometres, taking over from Tomoya Kanoh (Bridgestone Anchor), who had set the early pace.

Salerno crossed the line in 40:49 to finish 1:15 clear of Mizurov and a further 13 seconds ahead of Shushemoin.

The new overall race leader takes a 1:45 lead into the penultimate stage on Saturday.