Stef Clement (Bellkin) has won the sixth stage of the 2014 Volta a Catalunya.
The Dutchman won by riding clear of a breakaway on a largely uneventful stage a day after a third stage victory for Luca Mezgec (Giant-Shimano).
Clement went clear with Pieter Serry (Omega Pharma-Quickstep), Damien Howson (Orica-GreenEDGE), Pierre Rolland (Europcar), Antonio Piedra (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA), Marek Rutkiewicz (CCC Polsat Polkowice), Rudy Molard (Cofiids), Nico Sijmens (Wanty Group-Goubert), and, almost inevitably, Jens Voigt (Trek).
Clement, leader of the king of the mountains competition, said that his breakaway companions had acknowledged he was the strongest rider in the race.
“In the last few kilometres, it was a kind of game, though it wasn’t only wisdom. Just being strong can bring you a long way,” he said. “Because I don’t often get in this position, I felt some pressure, but fortunately everything fell into place.”
Today’s final stage will be held on a hilly circuit at Barcelona’s Montjuic Park, and the finest stage racers in the world, separated by mere seconds, will attempt to seal victory.
The parcours will suit race leader, Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha), who will defend a slender four-second margin over second-placed Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo). Van Gardern is a further three seconds back, three seconds ahead of Romain Bardet (Ag2r-La Mondiale).
Britain’s Chris Froome (Team Sky) is seventh, ceding 20 seconds to Rodriguez with 120.7km of the race remaining. The Tour de France champion has ridden with his customary aggression, but in his first race since winning February’s Tour of Oman, he has perhaps looked rusty.
He told the Team Sky website that he does not expect to contest the overall victory on a course he believes is better suited to the two Spaniards who head the GC. The weather conditions, he added, could also play a role.
“I think a lot of it depends on what the weather’s going to be like on Sunday – if we manage to stay dry or if it’s going to be another nervous, slippery day in the peloton.
“It suits Purito [Rodriguez] and Contador far more than it does me but I’m really happy with the feelings and sensations I’ve had this week. We have one day to go now and I feel a lot better now than I did at the start of the race.
“It’s been a good experience racing in extreme conditions that I’m not used to here, and that will all serve me well for the races to come.”
Volta a Catalunya 2014: stage six – result
1) Stef Clement (NED) – Belkin Pro Cycling – 3.58.44
2) Rudy Molard (FRA) – Cofidis +3″
3) Pieter Serry (BEL) – Omega Pharma-Quickstep
4) Jens Voigt (GER) – Trek
5) Marek Rutkiewicz (POL) – CCC Polsat Polkowice
6) Antonio Piedra (ESP) – Caja Rural
7) Pierre Rolland (FRA) – Europcar
8) Damien Howson (AUS) – Orica-GreenEDGE
9) Nico Sijmens (BEL) – Wanty-Groupe Gobert
10) Tosh Van Der Sande (BEL) – Lotto-Belisol
General classification
1) Joaquim Rodriguez (ESP) – Katusha – 27.03.13
2) Alberto Contador (ESP) – Tinkoff-Saxo +4″
3) Tejay Van Garderen (USA) – BMC Racing +7″
4) Romain Bardet (FRA) – Ag2r-La Mondiale +10″
5) Nairo Quintana (COL) – Movistar – ST
6) Chris Froome (GBR) – Team Sky +17″
7) Andrew Talansky (USA) – Garmin-Sharp +18″
8) Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA) – Ag2r-La Mondiale +26″
9) Warren Barguil (FRA) – Giant-Shimano
10) Robert Kiserlovski (CRO) – Trek +48″
