The sixth stage of Critérium du Dauphiné (2.WT, 03-10/06) was a spectacle. For Odd Eiking the day started badly because our Norwegian could not start due to sickness.
A large leading group emerged after about ten kilometers, just before the foot of the Col de la Bisanne. Thomas Degand joined a breakaway of 27 riders,. Degand crossed the first climb in the lead but had to let go on the second climb. The race really exploded on the Col du Pré and Cormet Roselend, under the impulse of AG2R. Guillaume Martin was still in the company of the yellow jersey at the foot of La Rosière. A final acceleration at 7 kilometers from the finish forced the French climber, who celebrated his 25th birthday today, to ride his own pace. He would eventually end the stage on a solid 14th position and move to place 17 in the general classification. This Sunday, the last stage presents five climbs, including four of first category with an arrival at the top of Saint-Gervais-Mont Blanc after 136 kilometers.
Guillaume Martin:
“Another good day! The stage was complicated, but I expected it. AG2R opted for a tough race, by exploding the stage from Col du Pré. I did not feel bad,.I hung on and I was able to stay with the main group. Then I tried to stay fresh, to keep as much energy as possible for the final climb. I was able to stay with the better ones for quite a long time. I missed a little to hang on. That is rather pleasant. “
“Tomorrow we will find a stage in similar format. It may be faster and with more movements. In a last stage we do not have to think about the next day. So everyone will go full gas: that means a great battle is in sight! As usual, I will improvise according to the instructions of the briefing and see how the race will run. “
Stage 6 :
1. Pello Bilbao
2. Geraint Thomas + 0:21
3. Dan Martin + 0:23
14. Guillaume Martin + 1:45
49. Marco Minnaard + 15:09
60. Thomas Degand + 18:30
94. Xandro Meurisse + 31:40
105. Frederik Backaert + 31:40
109. Dion Smith + 31:40
DNS. Odd Eiking
GC :
1. Geraint Thomas
2. Adam Yates + 1:29
3. Romain Bardet + 2:01
17. Guillaume Martin + 5:45
47. Thomas Degand + 35:22
53. Xandro Meurisse + 38:55
57. Marco Minnaard + 44:48
94. Dion Smith + 1:05:57
116. Frederik Backaert + 1:19:46
