Cycling: The Critérium du Dauphiné experienced a dramatic race on the bumpy 178-kilometer sixth stage from Grenoble to Poisy, the main protagonists of which were not the sprinters, but two rouleures and overall leader Chris Froome (Sky).
A lead group of 16 riders around Jens Voigt (Trek) and Zdenek Stybar (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) had gained a lead of more than six minutes on the field. This was reduced only imperceptibly in the final.
With 21 kilometers to go, it was Dutchman Pim Ligthart (Lotto Belisol) who used a wave to attack. At first only Lieuwe Westra (Astana) could follow him. However, Voigt's attempt to provide both failed. Jan Bakelants (Omega Pharma-QuickStep), who was part of the escape group two days ago and who was able to catch up with the two front runners a few kilometers later, was luckier.
On the last climb of the day, the very offensive Westra and Bakelants proved to be the stronger ones. While Ligthart had to give up and was later caught by the pursuers, the leading duo maintained enough lead to start tactical maneuvers with just under a kilometer to go.
Westra was the first to lose his nerve and looked like the sure winner for a long time. However, Bakelants managed to catch up with Westra with 200 meters to go and also fend off a driving maneuver that almost sent him into the barriers. In the end Bakelants won just ahead of Westra. 24 seconds later, his teammate Stybar led his pursuers to the finish.
In the field, in which all the favorites were driving, the pace had been throttled. The reason for this was Froome's fall about seven kilometers from the finish. With abrasions and a bleeding elbow, the Brit was escorted to the finish by his team. This still keeps him in the lead. However, the two difficult final days of the tour will show how much the fall will affect him.
Criterium du Dauphiné – Result
Criterium du Dauphiné – Overall