Volta Ciclista a Catalunya Stage 6: Serry 3rd as Escape Group Decides Stage

Volta Ciclista a Catalunya Stage 6: Serry 3rd as Escape Group Decides Stage

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Pieter Serry did everything he could to try and get separation from his eight break mates at the 163.9km Stage 6 of Volta Ciclista a Catalunya on Saturday.

The riders had a 1'24" advantage with just 8km to go, and it was clear the peloton was unable to gain any ground in their pursuit on the breakaway that worked well together throughout the stage. Jens Voigt (Trek Factory Racing) was the first to attack, but that was quickly neutralized. Serry tried also to attack more than once, as did several other riders, but it was only the move of Stef Clement (Belkin Pro Cycling Team) that was enough to get a gap. He went on to win solo, with Serry 3rd behind Rudy Molard (Cofidis).

OPQS looks next to a 120.7km Stage 7 on Sunday. Though the stage is short, the profile includes a circuit in Barcelona that could certainly cause excitement. There area total of eight ascents of 2km Montjuic in Barcelona .

"Today there was a tailwind, so I managed to enter into the breakaway immediately, about 5 kilometers into the race," Serry said. "We had immediately a good gap and realized we could make it until the finish, because we worked really well together. There was a good collaboration without problems. In the final kilometers there were a lot of attacks. I looked especially to Pierre Rolland (Team Europcar). When he attacked I went on his wheel, but then they caught us. I tried again, more or less at about 3 kilometers to go from the finish. But, a guy came with me and he didn't collaborate. It's a little bit of a pity, but I had a good result today. I have to say I felt strong enough to try to go for the win at this race. I think with a little bit of luck it really could have happened. But OK, it's the first time I was in that situation where there was a long time in the breakaway with a small group that could fight for the win. It's good experience and it's a big race for the team. We only miss a victory, but we are always there. I am a little disappointed, but OK, I will try again and if there will be another occasion in the future I hope I can have a personal victory."