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.
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Giro d'Italia Stage 5 Live - Will the sprinters survive the hilly ride into Matera?
151km stage ends in stunning Matera with rolling roads in the final 30km -
'He's a machine' – Mathias Vacek impresses as Lidl-Trek's not-so-secret Grand Tour weapon on Giro d'Italia debut
Teammates full of praise for 22-year-old Czech all-rounder, who doesn't 'realise how hard he can ride a bike' -
Mathieu van der Poel sets date for first mountain bike World Cup in four years
Dutchman back in action later this month at Nové Město as Alpecin-Deceuninck also confirm schedules for Puck Pieterse and Sam Gaze -
Pirelli Cinturato Velo review: grippy, versatile, and roll well, but come up far wider than advertised.
A brilliant all-road tyre that has fewer speed compromises than similar competitors. Wet weather grip and initial fitting gremlins are worth considering though.
