Stage 6, 153.4 kilometre-long, is another hilly stage that could result in a breakaway going on the narrow roads in the Ardèche, and making it to the line in Tournon-sur-Rhône.
Heading south from Montbrison, the road climbs from the start, with the first four ascents of Côte de Périgneux, Côte de La Prunerie, Côte d'Aurec, and Côte de Praneuf, coming over the opening 68 kilometres. Relatively short, these climbs should encourage a breakaway and thin out the peloton. Next, the riders will enter the Ardèche, and 20 kilometres later, the Col de Lalouvesc (8.6km at 5%) will likely split the group further, before the day's final climb at Côte de Boucieu-le-Roi, cresting with 15.9km to go.
The bonus sprint, just 9km from the line, could add a twist to the strategy as riders speed down to the finish at Tournon-sur-Rhône.
Lyne has been involved in professional cycling for more than 15 years in both news reporting and sports marketing. She founded Podium Insight in 2008, quickly becoming a trusted source for news of the North American professional cycling world. She was the first to successfully use social media to consistently provide timely and live race updates for all fans. She is proud to have covered men's and women's news equally during her tenure at the helm of the site. Her writing has appeared on Cyclingnews and other news sites.
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