Paris-Nice 2018 Route stage 6: Sisteron - Vence

Friday, 9 March 2018 - At 198 kilometres, the 6th stage of Paris-Nice runs from Sisteron to Vence. The route takes in four intermediate climbs before it ends with a promising finale. The Côte de la Colle-sur-Loup, an 1.8 kilometres ramp at 10%, continues onto a 3 kilometres climb at 5.7%, while the last 3 kilometres are flat to rolling.

Three years ago, Vence served as a departure place to Paris-Nice. The 6th stage started in the Provence village and ran to Nice, while Tony Gallopin soloed to victory that day.

The route of this year's 6th stage includes a rolling false flat in the first 60 kilometres. Then the riders head for the Gorges du Verdon. The Col des Lèques is the first proper climb: 6.6 kilometres at 5%.

Over the Col des Luens (6.9 kilometres at 4.7%) and some minor hurdles the riders tackle the Col Bas, which is 1.7 kilometre and averaging 7,2%. The summit is the highest point in today's route, crested with almost 80 kilometres to go.

Following a rolling section of 5 kilometres a long descent looms. Two intermediate climbs (Côte de Cipières: 2.8 kilometres at 5.6%, and Côte de Gourdon: 3.8 kilometres at 4.2%) interrupt the flow before the riders arrive at the foot of the short and sharp Côte de la Colle-sur-Loup. Only 1.8 kilometre, but the slope is averaging 10%.

Still 8.5 kilometres to go and, although the KOM points are gone, the riders still face a nasty 3 kilometres climb at 5.7% with double digits ramps. The last 3 kilometres are played out on rolling roads.

The first three riders on the line take time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the two intermediate sprints (at kilometre 36.5 and at kilometre 192.5) come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.