This is a stage perfectly suited to a long breakaway - only problem is, most of the traditional breakaway protagonists are missing, which may land a surprise stage winner ont the podium. The four Cat 4 climbs and three intermediate sprints, stage 6 will have something for most riders, and if a break does get away, it'll have to move quickly as the strength of those sprinters taking part in this year's Tour stands out - Boonen's performance in this year's Classics shows he call motor all day, and get into the right move at the right time. Look out for the big Belgian to use guile and a strong sprint to post another Tour stage victory, but the number climbs may prove difficult for him and allow a surprise packet to win.
TOPICS
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'So hectic' – After chasing an unrelenting Mathieu van der Poel and dodging 'dive bombing' crash Sam Welsford remains steadfast to take second in last chance at Tirreno Adriatico
"Every time I looked down I was doing over 500 watts" says Welsford of furious pace driven by Van der Poel on climb in Cycling Pro Net interview -
Sofia Gomez Villafañe continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men’s title
Geerike Schreurs and Cameron Jones claim runner-up positions in sprint deciders at Stillwater, Oklahoma -
'I'm not thinking about retirement yet' - Primož Roglič confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet
Slovenian confirms pared back race programme with summer at home before targeting Vuelta a España -
‘Finally I get it right’ - Jonas Vingegaard celebrates winning Paris-Nice in dominant fashion
Winning margin of 4:23 to second-placed Dani Martinez biggest GC gap at race since 1939
