Critérium du Dauphiné Stage 6: Select Group Emerges on HC Climb

Critérium du Dauphiné Stage 6: Select Group Emerges on HC Climb

A select group emerged on the HC Col de Joux-Plane — the final climb of the stage — while the rest of the field fell off the back from fatigue on Saturday. As a result, the list of riders contending for the GC shortened.

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Tony Martin, who was in 2nd place (+38") in the GC going into the stage, stuck behind the chasing peloton, led by Team Sky ProCycling, going into the final climb at km 155.5 out of 167.5km. Unfortunately, he could not hold pace with a group that included GC leader Bradley Wiggins (Sky ProCycling), Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team), Michael Rogers (Sky ProCycling), Richie Porte (Sky ProCycling) and eventual race winner Alexander Quintana (Movistar).

Quintana attacked with less than 17km to go, eventually passing Romain Feillu (Vacansoleil-DCM), who had gone solo out of an original break of 14 that grew to 20 at its largest. Rojas handled a technical and fast descent with enough aggression to stay up the road for the victory. Evans, who went up the road on the select group on the descent, took 2nd. Daniel Moreno (Katusha Team) was third. Martin crossed the line in 29th place (+4'01").

"Tony tried to do his best, but right now it is not enough yet," Holm said. "After the TT he was really tired. He did a lot of efforts to come back as soon as possible after his crash, and now he needs to recover. Yesterday he negotiated to stay with the best, but today he paid for the effort of the last week of races. Anyway, we are happy about his performace, because is still in a crescendo and we are confident for the tour."

Sylvain Chavanel was in the original break, but as the break shattered on the HC climb, Chavanel dropped back.