Cycling: The mountains are calling! And Simon Yates (Orica-Scott) has responded impressively. The Brit broke away from the group of favorites around 15 kilometers from the finish and won the 6th stage from Paris-Nice. Behind him, Sergio Henao (Sky) was able to gain a few seconds on Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Floors) with his second place. However, the Frenchman remains in the yellow jersey. Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) attacked early in vain.
3 times the Col de Bourigaille
After the first five days at Paris-Nice belonged to the sprinters and the time trialists, today the focus should be on the climbers. No fewer than six climbs had to be covered on the way from Aubagne to Fayence over 193,5 kilometers. In the end, the Col de Bourigaille – a category 1 mountain – was climbed three times. Once from both sides and then again a short section of it at the finish. But before the Col de Bourigaille was tackled for the first time, 146 kilometers had to be covered. A top group formed there: Alessandro de Marchi (BMC), Jesus Herrada (Movistar), Winner Anacona (Movistar), Sylvain Chavanel (Direct Energie), Michael Valgren (Astana), Ben Swift (UAE), Eduardo Sepulveda (Fortuneo- Vital Concept) and Axel Domont (Ag2r) pulled away. However, the squad around the overall leader Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Floors) didn't let anything burn. The gap could not be extended to more than five minutes.
Alberto Contador tries early – too early
Then the Col de Bourigaille was in front of the door for the first time. Even though it was still a long way to the finish, Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) attacked early on. His plan was clear: Julian Alaphilippe had to be driven out of his jersey. However, that wasn't very likely on the final climb as it resembles the Mur de Huy - and that suits a rider type like Alaphilippe. So the Spaniard wanted to put his French rival under pressure early on on a longer climb. However, this did not want to work. Above all, Team Sky made Contador a spanner in the works. He was caught and decided not to try again on the second crossing. Incidentally, Alaphilippe had no problems. However, other drivers struggled. Philippe Gilbert (Quick-Step Floors) and Steven Kruijswijk, for example, were left behind. Of course, the sprinters were no longer part of the roughly 40-strong field.
Simon Yates saw his chance and grabbed it
The Contador attack further reduced the breakaway's lead. When Eduardo Sepulveda was able to shake off his last companion, Alessandro de Marchi, the gap was only a few seconds. Sky increased the number of strokes again and the group of favorites became smaller and smaller. Only around 15 drivers gathered around the yellow jersey. Since Sergio Henao (Sky) only had one helper at his side in Mikel Nieve (Sky), they slowed down a bit again. Then Simon Yates (Orica-Scott) stalked away. The Brit saw his chance with around 15 kilometers to go. When he then went into the steep final wall, his lead was already over 40 seconds. Richie Porte (BMC) attacked from behind, who is already far behind in the overall standings and only had the stage win in mind. But he reacted too late. Simon Yates could no longer be asked. Not only was he able to celebrate the day's victory, but he was also able to push himself up in the overall standings. The Brit is now in eighth place.
Strong helper performances by Mikel Nieve & Dan Martin
Second was Sergio Henao, who was able to reward the great work of helper Mikel Nieve and gain some time in the overall standings. Daniel Martin (Quick-Step Floors) also delivered an impressive helper performance. He pulled Julian Alaphilippe up the last few meters to the finish line and kept the gap within limits. Alaphilippe remains in the yellow jersey but Sergio Henao in particular could pose a threat in the coming days. He is now third behind Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal). With a deficit of 46 seconds, everything still seems possible for the Colombian from Team Sky. Alberto Contador suffered a small setback. After his early attack, he lacked strength in the final ramp. In the overall classification, he was still able to improve to seventh place. There is also something to celebrate for a runaway: Axel Domont has secured the mountain jersey. He now leads Simon Yates by two points.
Paris-Nice Stage #6: The day's result
Tour Locations | Driver | Country | Team | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Simon yates | Great Britain | Orica Scott | 4:37:51 |
2. | Sergio Henao | Colombia | Sky | + 0: 17 |
3. | Richie porte | Australia | BMC | + 0: 26 |
4. | Julian Alaphilippe | France | Quick Step Floors | + 0: 29 |
5. | Daniel Martin | Ireland | Quick Step Floors | + 0: 29 |
6. | Ion Izaguirre | Spain | Bahrain-Merida | + 0: 32 |
7. | Jakob Fuglsang | Denmark | Astana | + 0: 32 |
8. | Alberto counter | Spain | Trek-Segafredo | + 0: 32 |
9. | Ilnur Zakarin | Russia | Katusha Alpecin | + 0: 32 |
10. | Tony gallopin | France | Lotto Soudal | + 0: 32 |
Paris-Nice Stage #6: The overall standings
Tour Locations | Driver | Country | Team | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Julian Alaphilippe | France | Quick Step Floors | 21:58:22 |
2. | Tony gallopin | France | Lotto Soudal | + 0: 36 |
3. | Sergio Henao | Colombia | Sky | + 0: 46 |
4. | Gorka Izagirre | Spain | Movistar | + 0: 57 |
5. | Daniel Martin | Ireland | Quick Step Floors | + 1: 20 |
6. | Ilnur Zakarin | Russia | Katusha Alpecin | + 1: 31 |
7. | Alberto counter | Spain | Trek-Segafredo | + 1: 34 |
8. | Simon yates | Great Britain | Orica Scott | + 1: 37 |
9. | Ion Izaguirre | Spain | Bahrain-Merida | + 2: 04 |
10. | Warren Barguil | France | Sunweb | + 3: 08 |
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