Tour of California 2019: Pogacar takes Mt. Baldy stage to move into GC lead

Two young climbers take control in the mountain stage to Mount Baldy. Tadej Pogacar and Sergio Higuita battle it out in the last kilometres before the Slovenian outguns the Colombian on the line. They are placed first and second on GC with Kasper Asgreen now in third. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 6th stage 2019 Tour of California
1. Tadej Pogacar (slo)
2. Sergio Higuita (col) s.t.
3. George Bennett (nzl) + 0.05
4. Richie Porte (aus) + 0.10
5. Riccardo Zoidl (aut) + 0.20
6. Kasper Asgreen (den) + 0.22
7. Simon Spilak (slo) + 0.25
8. Rohan Dennis (aus) + 0.47
9. Rob Britton (can) s.t.
10. Jesper Hansen (den) s.t.

GC
1. Tadej Pogacar (slo)
2. Sergio Higuita (col) + 0.16
3. Kasper Asgreen (den) + 0.20
4. George Bennett (nzl) + 0.29
5. Richie Porte (aus) + 0.41
6. Simon Spilak (slo) + 1.03
7. Jesper Hansen (den) + 1.18
8. Felix Großschartner (aut) s.t.
9. Tejay van Garderen (usa) + 1.22
10. Rohan Dennis (aus) + 1.23

Race report
The breakaway features Lennard Hofstede, Matteo Fabbro, Michael Storer, Owain Doull, Hugo Houle, Paweł Bernas, Mikkel Bjerg, Herman Pernsteiner and Matteo Badilatti, although the last two riders can’t follow on the descent of the first ascent. The other eight carve out a gap of 3 minutes.

Maximilian Schachmann bridges to the remaining leaders – Hofstede, Fabbro, Houle, Bernas – before the final climb. The German heads out alone when the road kicks up inside the last 7.5 kilometres.

Gianni Moscon is the first GC rider to crack on the ascent, while leader Tejay van Garderen fades away 4.2 kilometres before the line. George Bennett takes the reins and attacks with only Tadej Pogacar, Sergio Higuita and Richie Porte able to match his move.

Pogacar strikes with 3.4 kilometres remaining before Higuita counter-attacks. The Slovenian regains contact with Colombian just before the flamme rouge. Pogacar swoops past Higuita on the final bend to take the win at Mount Baldy.

The 20-year old Slovenian moves into the GC lead, 16 seconds ahead of Higuita with Asgreen another 4 seconds further behind.

Another interesting read: route 6th stage 2019 Tour of California.