Volta Ciclista a Catalunya 2024 – Stage 6 Preview
After two easier stages, the riders have yet again a tough stage ahead of them.
Route
A relatively short stage, just 155 km. The thing that makes it difficult is the 3800 climbing meters. As I wrote in the GC preview, this stage should be the most decisive stage along with stage 3.
The peloton heads counter clockwise to begin with. Then, as they start Coll de Pradell, they take a detour before going back the same way they came from. Then, it is south towards Queralt, before the finale of the finale climb.
Here is the opening part of the stage. Yes, a relatively long section. The reason behind it is logical, it is here the breakaway will form. With large time gaps already, teams will hope they can fool UAE Team Emirates. I will almost say this with a guarantee; the breakaway will consist of climbers.
Here we have Coll de Pradell. How do you categorize it? Is it 15 km at 6.7%, or 5.5 km at 10.8%? What I can tell you is not a surprise. Pogacar will attack on the last part.
And just a bonus fact if you actually read the entire preview, Sepp Kuss has the KOM here on Strava: 22:58 seconds. We have 60 km left from the top.
Moving on, we have a long descent. Wide roads and in good condition. It will likely be the spot where Pogacar (and any companions) build up a gap. Meanwhile, the group behind wait for domestiques to do the chasing after being distanced on Coll de Pradell.
The next climb is Collada de Sant Isidre. 26.5 km left from the top.
The next 20 km are a mix of everything. Descents, flat and short steep ramps. With approximately 7 km left, the last climb begins.
Weather
It seems a bit all over the place tomorrow. A tailwind start will make it very fast, it could take a while for the breakaway to be created. From Coll de Pradell to the line, it is a mix of tailwind and headwind.
Contenders
Pogacar – I think it will be tough to beat him.
Landa – he tends to so well in these stages. He is the second best climber here but the finale does not suit him. A top-5.
Vlasov – a good stage for him. He should finish top-3 tomorrow.
Lenny Martinez – I’m uncertain about him. On one hand, he should do well on the main climb. Then we have the repeated efforts. A top-10.
Harper – going well just now. He will be tough to drop.
Mas – another top-10.
Poels – a stage suiting him. He loves double digits. I don’t think a top-3 is out of reach.
Kuss – it is his training roads. A top-5.
Simon Yates – breakaway contender 1
Michael Woods – breakaway contender 2.
Who will win?
Pogacar.
