Tour de Suisse Stage 6, Meiringen to La Punt 213.3km
Today was about mountains, attacks and groups. Mountains – well it is Switzerland, two at the start of the day, a bump in the middle and a monster at the end and with over 4,000 metres of climbing: Attacks because with a course like this and just 3 further days to go, the invitations to grab points and make it over the line for s stage win are there a-plenty: And groups; hill climbing separates great from excelling riders.
Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer, along with Andreas Kloden, all rode in close proximity especially in the closing 20 kms of the race.
Andy Schleck pulled away from his companion group to catch the leader, Robert Gesink but Gesink was looking strong and took off by himself. Behind him the old hands of the sport sat in a span the pedals – and no one spins better than Lance. Armstrong certainly appeared to be relaxed and in control as the riders continued to make their way up the final ascent (Albulapass). Continuing their partnership, Armstrong and Leipheimer rode together and frequently had the front of their chasing group; Kloden pedalled on, in the group and within shouting distance.
Gesink (RAB) topped out on Albulapass first but the chase was on with riders, including Armstrong, rising out of the saddle in pursuit. Gesink had a 1m 17s lead with 9 kms to ride.
At 4 kms to the line Gesink had a 1m 02s lead. The descent was better ridden by the chasing group; Armstrong pedalled and swung his bike into the corners a head of the other chasers who were getting a master-class in descending technique.
Into the last 500 metres, Gesink knew he had the day but kept up pace.
Lance led the chasing pack but Uran hit the line in front of him but as it was a group finish the positions were immaterial; they all had the same time. Armstrong had 5th place. Kloden rode in ahead of Leipheimer. Kloden took 11th place and Leipheimer 14th.
As for Armstrong, he finished the day by taking 7th in the GC, just 55s behind Gesink’s pole position.
By Julian Winn, staff writer
Very well done Julian, just like being there!
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Just finished watching it. Way to go Lance!. Klodden did a nice ride too.Have a great time trial to go. Good-Luck Team Radio Shack
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Good article. Lance definitely looks ready for TDF, and lord knows he has an excellent team to help get him on the podium. Hopefully to repeat again!!
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Way to go Lance! I think you recently watched your 8 minute 18 second video on U-Tube – Lance Armstrong vs Marco Pantani Tour de France 2000 on Mont Ventoux! What a motivation video for any bike rider. You even signed a poster I had of you riding ahead of Pantani up Mont Ventoux 2 weeks before you came back into the great sport of bike racing. I’m glad your back & Gods speed in the TDF!!!!! Phil
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Fenomenal muy bien por Lance y el equipo Radioshack.
A ganarles otro Tour a franceses.
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Looking strong across the team, which bodes well for July. Since the team is looking fit, let’s hope TRS avoids any more injuries, and then let the best team win in France.
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