Le Tour de France: Étape 6 - Lisieux to Vitré

Stage 6 was battled out over 189km today and marked the third consecutive day that Tom Boonen (QSI) donned the maillot jaune. It contained one category 3 climb early on and was followed by three intermediate sprints. Early failed breakaways gave way to a larger one involving race leaders Tom Boonen and Thor Hushovd (CA). A newly motivated peloton quickly reigned in 9 of the 12 riders at the 80km mark and pursued the final three under the stewardship of team Quickstep until the last 4 km.

The approach to Vitré was dominated by the jockeying of teams Lampre and Quickstep in an attempt to deliver Tom Boonen to a victory that has evaded him at every stage so far. The last few meters saw Robbie McEwen (DVL), also known as the "David Copperfield of sprint," silently delivered to the front line by teammate Gert Steegmans. Robbie's subsequent effort captured the stage for the third time this year and inched him to within 12 seconds of Boonen's lead. See you tomorrow when the tour heads inland for the second individual time trial and a great opportunity for George and Floyd to inch ahead in the general classification!