Arnaud Démare (Groupama-FDJ) continued his streak of wins by winning the stage 6 of Giro d’Italia. The deadly but somehow boring showdown happened in Scalea and the only entertainment was the clash between Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal) and Démare.
Brilliant tactics were displayed by Arnaud as he came from behind to flank Ewan and take the stage victory. Arnaud had to fend off many riders, especially Jacopo Guarnieri who was at the front of the group with a strong lead out. Even Mark Cavendish could not catch up to Ewan nor Demare, even though he launched himself with a powerful sprint.
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This second win in a row is really impressive, more than it seems because it shows the team’s level of dedication and support. After finishing the race, Demare said with excitement:
It was a really calm stage and everybody had fresh legs. Yesterday it was a collective job and today we had everyone as well. At each roundabout we were perfectly placed.
At around 500 metres, Jacopo did a great job and I got myself into the wheels. The sprint lasted about 100 metres and I managed to get there.
I thought maybe it was me that was second until we saw the photo. I felt I needed to find a way out – I couldn’t go left, so I had to go right and had to go further around to the right because Ewan was there. I needed to get to the front and not make the mistake that Ewan made on the first day.
It was right on the line. I felt like I was in front but you never know. I’m really happy. We knew it was going to be really close. I threw the bike and that was the difference.
During the final stretch of the race, it was team Groupama-FDJ that dominated, Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl came close but they were still no match for Arnaud’s team. The final run was decisive, and the French squad was high on wheels, they fended off Mark Cavendish and Caleb Ewan. Cavendish could have won the stage if he had not jumped too soon.
Caleb Ewan had high hopes for this stage, he though that he could bag the sixth Giro victory but fate had other plans for him and Arnaud was fed up of the whole situation, he summoned enough strength to cross the finish line first and win the stage.
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Also Read: Arnaud Démare Sprints To Stage Five Victory Of Giro D’Italia With Impeccable Performance
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