As the dust literally settles down after an expected dramatic pavés stage, a LeadOut quickly summarises the two main points to carry forward:
Mathieu Van der Poel is not bluffing. He is definitely not in form while Primoz Roglic has crashed and dislocated his shoulder.
Stage 6
A day after a demanding stage on the pavés, the riders head into France with the longest stage of the tour. Three categorised climb in a 219.9 km stage. The final will be a thrilling affair with a succession of climbs and a finishes up the Côte des Religieuses. The short previous climb at the Côte des Pulventaux (800m at 12.3%) could prove to be as equally important.
Race preview:
The finale could have been an affair for Mathieu Van der Poel. Sadly he seems to be suffering from the electric Giro he had. Wout Van Aert would again dominate such a stage, but it would be very unwise from his team to use their man to control such a long stage, particularly with the super Planche de Belles Filles tomorrow. Unles Bahrain Victorious, who has lost their co-leader Jack Haig on the pavés, decides to take it on for Dylan Teuns.
A breakaway win is the most logical settlement, and there will be a rush to the get into it at the stage start. Team Lotto Soudal and Trek Segafredo could however decide to control things for Caleb Ewan and Mads Pedersen respectively.
Stage 6 predictions
★★☆☆☆ Jasper Stuyven
Prior to an amazing pavés performance, he was one of the last riders, Van Aert shaked off that climb! If he manages to get into a breakaway, he has more chances compared with staying in the peloton and sharing leadership with Mads Pedersen and even Bauke Mollema today.
★★☆☆☆ Caleb Ewan
In the most unlikely scenario that none of the Lotto Soudal riders manages to get into a breakaway, the Belgian team will ride for their pocket sprinter. The last km punchy finish is much to his advantage
★★☆☆☆ Alexis Vuillermoz
One of the best puncheurs in the world. He will be a hard man to beat if he is in the break.
★★☆☆☆ Dylan Teuns
After dominating the Mur de Huy earlier this year, he will be the most awaited man today. He will be watched today, thus it will be a little more complicated for him to get into a breakaway and get them to work.
★☆☆☆☆ Magnus Cort
It will now be a surprise if he is not in the break, the finish favours him but it is the Yellow jersey that he now wants.
★☆☆☆☆ Andreas Kron
He is one of the many riders that Lotto soudal could bet on in a break away.
★☆☆☆☆Alberto Bettiol
He seems to be feeling good after working with Pogacar to chase his own teammate. He could win either from a break or the peloton.
★☆☆☆☆ Matej Mohoric
Whether from a most likely breakaway or frol the peloton, he will have to go from a long shot though, and win. Something that he is more than capable of accomplishing.
★☆☆☆☆ Tadej Pogacar
It will be absolutely crazy from him and his team to be work for a stage win just to stamp their authority. More demanding days are ahead.
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