Italy’s Davide Cimolai sprinted to victory on the sixth stage of the Tour of Catalonia on Saturday as Nairo Quintana stayed in the leader’s jersey after the 197km route from Sant Joan Despi.
Lampre-Merida rider Cimolai claimed the sprint after Cameron Mayer was caught and passed with the finish line in sight after the peloton led a frenetic chase to reel in the day’s standout breakaway.
Colombian Quintana finished in the pack to remain seven seconds clear of Alberto Contador with defending champion Richie Porte in third at 17sec.
“The pace was pretty high yet again, but the team functioned extremely well during the stage. We were never in difficulty and we go into the final day full of desire and ambition,” said Quintana.
“Attacks by my rivals will certainly come, and they will be of concern, but I also think that the stage could end in a sprint so there will be teams wanting to chase in order to give their fast men a chance of victory.”
The race concludes on Sunday with a hilly 136km circuit around Barcelona’s Montjuic area, the site of the 1992 Olympic Games. – Agence France-Presse
