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Tour de Suisse. Stage 6. Solid 8th place for Pello Bilbao at Albulapass stage
Astana rider Pello Bilbao step up into Top-10 of the general classification of the Tour de Suisse after a solid performance at stage 6 (Locarno – La Punt, 166,7 km) with the famous Albulapass climb with only 9 km to go.
Bilbao was able to stay in the group of favorites the whole way to the top of Albula and finished 8th, just 18 seconds behind the stage winner, Italian Domenico Pozzovivo.
- It was a hard day, especially the last climb. I had enough power to stay together with the other leaders, but, honestly, I tried to do the final climb in my own rhythm. I did not watch to others and was climbing with the pace, comfortable for myself. I think this was the key of my good performance today. On the descent to the finish I preferred not to risk too much, because the road was wet and dangerous. Pozzovivo already had a gap and it was quite hard to fight for the stage, so the main thing was to finish without any problem, because tomorrow will be another tough day in the mountains with the Sölden climb, - said Pello Bilbao.
On the last climb of the day, the Albulapass a group of 10 favorites broke away from the other part of the peloton. Pello Bilbao was among the leaders, doing a nice race. Italian Pozzovivo launched an attack not far from the top of Albula, catching Canadian Michael Woods, the only rider remained in front from early break.
Finally, Pozzovivo was able to hold his small advantage, winning the stage and taking the lead in the general classification. Thanks to today’s performance, Pello Bilbao moved up to 9th position in overall, +1.42 behind the leader.
The key’s mountain stage 7 of the Tour de Suisse will be held tomorrow from Zernez to monstrous climb Sölden in Austria (2780 m above sea level). The distance of the stage will be of 166,3 km.
Photo credit: © Bettiniphoto
