Stage 6: Tarbes to Cauterets-Cambasque – 145 km
Date: Thursday July 6, 2023
Stage type: High Mountains – Pyrenees
What to watch for: Which GC team takes control on the Tourmalet, as that will indicate confidence
Stage summary: Finally, the first big uphill finish of the 2023 Tour de France.
A short, sharp stage to end a two-day stint in the Pyrenees, this stage first tackles the Col d’Aspin, 12 km at 6.6%, then the fearsome Col du Tourmalet, 17.2 km at 7.3%. After a long descent off the Tourmalet, the race turns back to the south and climbs up to the finish in Cauterets.
The 15 km finish climb averages only 5.3% but has a 2 km section at kilometers 13 and 14 that average about 10%. If anybody goes, it will be here.
Dane Cash’s picks: After the display he put on on Wednesday’s stage 5, Jonas Vingegaard sure looks like the favorite for stage 6. If it is indeed the GC riders contesting the stage, all eyes will be on Vingegaard to make another show of dominance. Tadej Pogačar will obviously be hoping to bounce back after losing time but he’ll need to be on a much better day to match Vingegaard. Then there’s GC leader Jai Hindley, who was very impressive on stage 5 but who may end up paying for that effort. Meanwhile, if the break takes the day, watch out for Felix Gall, Neilson Powless, Thibaut Pinot, and Victor Lafay.
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