CASLANO, Switzerland (AFP) - Germany's Markus Fothen, riding for the Gerolsteiner team, won the 189.7km fifth stage of the Tour of Switzerland on Wednesday.

Russian Serguei Ivanov crossed second at 50sec with Swiss Markus Zberg third at 57sec off the pace.

Spain's Igor Anton, of Euskaltel, retained the leader's yellow jersey for the third consecutive day after finishing in 15th position among a group of riders 57sec behind the leader.

The stage was marked by the spectacular fall by Luxembourg's Frank Schleck four kilometres from the line.

The CSC rider had been challenging for the stage on Fothen's wheel when he fell on a tight bend, flying over a security barrier.

"I've lost the Tour of Switzerland," said Schleck, who suffered just scratches, but is now 2min 11sec behind Anton.

France's Sylvain Chavanel of Cofidis opened the first attack of the day, making his move after 10km and was soon joined by a group of 14 riders who built up a lead of two minutes before splitting during the first category Lukmanier climb.

But during the difficult second category climb at Cademario some seven kilometres from the line Schelck attacked near the summit and along with Fothen had a 35sec lead going into the tight 15km descent before Schleck ran into trouble leaving Fothen to finish alone.