Everyone was especially looking forward to May 12, because the nature of stage 6 promised the first clash between the contenders for overall victory — specifically on the 18-kilometer final climb. True, because of its low average gradient the climb was only rated second category, but its length, plus the fact that it was the first week, when riders are still approaching peak condition, were bound to cause some fireworks. And everyone has the stage 9 individual time trial in mind, so the climbers couldn’t waste even the slightest chance to gain precious seconds on the time trial specialists.
12 May 2016
99th Giro d’Italia
Stage 06 : Ponte – Roccaraso
DUMOULIN Tom (NED) Giant – Alpecin, Maglia Rosa, at Bocca della Selva
Photo : Yuzuru SUNADA
The race started nervously, caused by a serious climb in the first part of the route and a downpour. As a result the breakaway gained a comfortable lead, and, as usually happens in such cases, the race split in two: the group fighting for the stage and the group fighting for overall victory.
In the breakaway the clear favorite was the experienced Tim Wellens, who did everything with filigree precision: he attacked at the right moment, gained the lead he needed and then let no one near him all the way to the finish.
12 May 2016
99th Giro d’Italia
Stage 06 : Ponte – Roccaraso
1st : WELLENS Tim (BEL) Lotto – Soudal
Photo : Yuzuru SUNADA
Worth noting is Lotto Soudal’s teamwork: mid-race they managed to bridge to the breakaway and then, with numbers on their side, settled the stage textbook-style.
12 May 2016
99th Giro d’Italia
Stage 06 : Ponte – Roccaraso
WELLENS Tim (BEL) Lotto – Soudal
Photo : Yuzuru SUNADA
The favorites’ battle, however, gave food for thought. At the final climb Astana’s tactical plan became clear: Jakob Fuglsang attacked, and it was obvious that Lo Squalo would soon make his move. And Vincenzo did move, but he couldn’t hold off the counterattack launched by Tom Dumoulin and reached the finish a few seconds down. Whether this is an exception or a trend the race will show; for now it’s 0:1, and not in Lo Squalo’s favor.
12 May 2016
99th Giro d’Italia
Stage 06 : Ponte – Roccaraso
DUMOULIN Tom (NED) Giant – Alpecin, Maglia Rosa
NIBALI Vincenzo (ITA) Astana
Photo : Yuzuru SUNADA
Featured image: Yuzuru SUNADA/www.yuzurusunada.com
Inside post thumbnail image: Yuzuru SUNADA/www.yuzurusunada.com
Special thanks to the Japanese photographer Yuzuru SUNADA for permission to use his works in our publications.
Translated from Georgian with the assistance of Claude (Anthropic), reviewed by the Velorbola editors.
In history, only three riders have won all five Monuments: [...]
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