French victory in the sixth stage of Paris-Nice
11 riders for a while put a spotlight on today’s 220 km stage of Paris-Nice from Manosque to Nice on the French Mediterranean coast. But as the terrain became ever steeper towards the end of the stage, more dropped back to the peloton. Team Sky took control and the stage ended in a bunch sprint. Sylvain Chavanel (Omega Pharma Quick Step) took a somewhat atypical stage win for him.
“It was a somewhat tough stage at high speed in hilly terrain, which certainly has taken its toll on many riders. We had to change Nico Roche’s rear wheel at a slightly difficult time, but Nicki and Petrov powered him safely back in the box again. At the time trial tomorrow, I hope that he can run into the top-10, but it will be difficult. They are still very close in the standings, and all will run a maximum of jumping into the top-10,” said sports director Dan Frost after the stage. Richie Porte (Sky) is still the man in the yellow jersey.
