Dramatic Mountain Climbs and a Day of Celebration on the 6th Stage of Criterium Dauphiné

A long, hard-fought day of racing unfolded yesterday during the 6th stage of the Criterium Dauphiné, taking riders from Nantua to Crest-Voland over a challenging 170km route. The course was lined with two category 2 and two category 3 mountains, with each ascent requiring extreme focus, calculated energy management, and a steady cadence to conquer.

As the peloton navigated the first climb, the Côte de Clermont-en-Genevois, Omar Fraile of Ineos Grenadiers broke away from the pack, creating a 10″ gap. He rode with determination, the peloton hot on his heels, trailing him by a mere 15″. His performance set the tone for a stage that was far from ordinary.

Pierre Latour gave a stunning display of climbing ability by claiming the KOM of the first climb, a pulsating affair. His grit was complemented by James Shaw, Harry Sweeny, and Lawson Craddock, who followed closely behind, showing their mettle against the challenging gradient.

Among the competitors, a special mention must go to Guillaume Martin of Cofidis, who celebrated his 30th birthday on the roads of the Dauphiné. No stranger to this race, Martin has often found his best form here, including a notable 3rd place overall finish in 2020. Now sitting 10th in the General Classification (GC), the Frenchman showed his ambition to climb up the ranks as the race approached its final stages.

The tension mounted as the breakaway group, 80km from the finish line, confronted the ascent of Crest-Voland. Notably, Andrea Bagioli of Soudal Quick-Step had faced this climb twice before during the Tour de l’Avenir, providing him with valuable insight. Georg Zimmermann of Intermarché-Circus-Wanty, another rider familiar with this climb, proved that past experience could play a vital role in their performance.

Historically, the Col des Aravis, the second climb of the day, holds a special place in the heart of cycling fans, being part of the Tour de France route since the race’s inaugural venture into the Alps back in 1911. The climb has seen countless thrilling battles over the years, and today was no different.

Mathieu Burgaudeau from Total Energies took the KOM for the Col des Aravis, pushing hard and leading Jonathan Castroviejo of Ineos Grenadiers and Georg Zimmermann of Intermarché-Circus-Wanty, who came second and third respectively. The relentless pace set by these riders gave spectators an enthralling show of mountain racing at its best.

Burgaudeau also secured the KOM of the third climb, the Côte de Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, once again beating Castroviejo and Zimmermann, who followed closely behind. Burgaudeau’s consistency and sheer determination in the climbs earned him the admiration of the spectators.

The day concluded with a spectacular finish on the fourth climb, which also served as the stage finish. Georg Zimmermann stole the day, surging ahead to claim the stage win, followed by a strong finishing Mathieu Burgaudeau from Total Energies.

Despite the day’s drama, there were no significant changes in the General Classification, with Vingegaard still holding firm to the leader’s jersey. This year’s Criterium Dauphiné has already showcased breathtaking battles, dramatic climbs, and moments of individual brilliance. As we move into the final stages, the race continues to be wide open, with exciting cycling days.