Critérium du Dauphiné 2014 Stage 6: Grenoble - Poisy

Friday, June 13 – This stage is the last chance for the sprinters in this 2014 Critérium du Dauphine. The 178.5 kilometres stage to Poisy is not one for the superstitious, since it’s Friday the thirteenth. Just like prior sprinters stages this one is suited for the sprinters who easily digest hills. After all we are still in the vicinity of the Alps. (Slideshow route/profile)

Critérium du Dauphiné 2014 Stage 6: Grenoble - Poisy

Three modest peaks today, but this doesn't necesarilly mean they will not have huge impact on the race. With 89.5 kilometres done the riders are atop Côte de la Bétaz (category-4) and when the finale starts to warm up Côte de Marcellaz-Albanais lays waiting after 159 kilometres (category-4). Next is Côte de Ronzy deep in the finale, crested with only 7.5 kilometres left. In short, opportunity gallore to drop the sprinters by speeding up those last hills. Only problem could be if some of them listen to names like John Degenkolb or Michael Matthews, fast men like these digest the percentages with ease and eagerly take the sprint.

Today is Grenoble’s general repetition, since the departure town host the Tour de France also. At Saturday 19th La Grande Boucle leaves the ‘Capitol of the Alps’ for a climb stage taking the riders over three huge cols for a top finish in Risoul.