2024 Tour de France Femmes Stage 6 Preview

 Finally in France for the hardest of the three lumpy stages

 

Stage 6 profile from procyclingstats.com

The looming question over this stage is how is former race leader Demi Vollering's health following yesterday's crash? The way she chased without teammates was hugely positive, but frequently the day-after crash soreness is worse. Regardless, I think she'll go into this stage angry, which doesn't bode well for the rest of the bunch! Finally, with a bonus sprint and at the threshold of proper mountains, this day will be selective (like the others haven't!) I expect to see a small group containing the heads of state go over the final climb and contest the win amongst themselves at the line.


Contenders

KASIA NIEWIADOMA -- The new race leader faces a stage that suits her well. Can the yellow jersey give her enough of a boost to secure her second win of the season?

CÉDRINE KERBAOL -- The French rider is going well and is now fourth on GC. Another for whom the stage is a good fit, but is she quite at the level to compete for the stage win?
 
PUCK PIETERSE -- Clearly riding very well right now, but is this stage a bit too hard given where she is in her road racing career? I do think she'll stick around for a bit in the finale.
 
SILVIA PERSICO -- Her interest in the mountain points is now clear, but can she stick with the heads of state on the final climb?

LIDL-TREK -- I'm still unsure who the protected rider is. This is a better stage for van Anrooij, but the weekend looks better for Realini, although she hasn't looked fantastic so far. Both are capable of making the lead the group, but van Anrooij is the better bet in the sprint.

DEMI VOLLERING -- If she can ride effectively, I think she'll win.

Prediction

"You won't like me when I'm angry..." another win for Demi Vollering

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