Tirreno-Adriatico

Mikel Landa was one of the riders who made an impressive jump in the general classification of the Italian race at the end of stage six, which finished atop Frontignano, a 7.1km climb whose gradients reached and exceeded 10%, enough to change the standings going into the last day of the race.

The Basque started this stage that featured 3500 meters of vertical gain in 16th place, but was one of the strongest out there when the fireworks began with four kilometers to go, and thanks to a solid display he soared to seventh – which puts him on track for what would be his 23rd top ten finish in a World Tour stage race.

Once Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) went clear from an already depleted peloton, a small chasing group formed behind him, and Mikel was one of the three riders there, whose goal was to limit the gap to the Spaniard while putting some daylight into those trying to bridge across. Soudal Quick-Step’s experienced climber dosed his effort smartly and finished the stage in fourth position, just 15 seconds behind his countryman, the new leader of Tirreno-Adriatico.

“We were close the entire time to Ayuso, who was the strongest today and the main favourite for victory, and this was encouraging. It wasn’t an easy climb and it was important to be in a good position, that’s why I want to thank the guys, they worked hard the whole day and took good care of me. On the climb, I just tried to do my best and I am happy with my result, especially as this is my first stage race of the season”, said Landa, who is joined in the general classification top ten by teammate Mattia Cattaneo.

Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images