This sixth stage of the Paris-Nice saw Danish champion, Mattias Skelmose, claim victory. The wearer of the yellow jersey also changes shoulders. Brandon McNulty is the new leader of the general classification.
This 6th stage of the Paris-Nice 2024 promised a great spectacle with the final weekend. The favorites in the general classification were expected to engage in a fierce battle and create gaps. On the agenda was 198.2 km between Sisteron and La Colle-sur-Loup. On a hilly course, the day’s battle promised to be exciting.
Right from the start of the stage, several riders tried to break away. In vain. After 80 km of racing, the peloton finally let a small breakaway of 10 riders go. Caught 58 km from the finish, the final showdown between the favorites indeed took place.
The promises of a beautiful finish fulfilled
As soon as the ascent of the Colle-sur-Loup started, Primoลพ Rogliฤ launched his attack. But the sharp counterattack by Matteo Jorgenson less than 30 km from the finish allowed him to take the lead in the race. No one could follow him. Under the rain, the road was very slippery. Unfortunately, this was fatal for Santiago Buitrago, second in the general classification, who fell 27 km from the finish. The Colombian, wearing the white jersey (best young rider), suffered a mechanical issue following his fall and was forced to change his bike. With this lost time, his chances of winning the general classification evaporated.
Meanwhile, the leader was caught up by other riders: Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) and Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek). The latter won the day’s stage in a sprint. He beat Brandon McNulty, who finished second. Matteo Jorgenson (Visma Lease a Bike) completed the podium.
Yellow jersey changes hands
By finishing second in the stage, American Brandon McNulty took the yellow leader’s jersey. In the standings, he leads his compatriot Mattias Skjelmose by 23 seconds. Lucas Plapp, the leader at the start, drops to third place, 34 seconds behind the UAE rider.
The green jersey remains on the shoulders of Mads Pedersen, while the polka-dot jersey is still worn by Mathieu Burgaudeau. The French rider even widened the gap. He holds 44 points, but his runner-up in this classification, Christian Scaroni, is only 10 points behind the Vendรฉen.
Tomorrow, the stage has been modified due to weather conditions. Indeed, according to forecasts, snow is expected to fall. It forced the organizers to revise the end of the stage. The climbs of La Colmiane and towards Auron have been removed. The finish will be judged at the summit of the Madone dโUtelle hill. The riders will cover only 104 km. The first 89 kilometers have been retained. Announced as the queen stage, it will ultimately be less spectacular than expected. The safety of the riders comes first.
