Australia’s Jay Vine, riding with Alpecin Deceuninck, claimed the stage win on a demanding route stretching from the Bilbao region to Pico Jano in Cantabria. The 181.2-kilometer course featured a relentless finale, where a brutal ascent tested every rider’s limits. Vine crossed the summit alone, clocking a steady, controlled effort that produced an average speed close to 39 km/h and secured the victory with a decisive, sustained push in the final kilometers.
From the whistle of the start, the stage unfolded as a battle of endurance and planning. The peloton moved through a blend of coastal scenery, rolling terrain, and punishing climbs, as teams choreographed breaks and counter-moves aimed at shaping the general classification as the race pressed deeper into the mountains. Vine’s stage-winning move was bold and precise, exploiting the late climb to mount a solo countercharge that held off all challengers to the line.
In pursuit, Remco Evenepoel of Quick-Step focused on the gaps and the clock, emerging as the new leader in the general classification after a day of intense rivalry. The Belgian rider kept a close eye on the front pack, ensuring the overall standings reflected a fresh hierarchy after the mountain test. He was followed by a compact group of contenders, with several riders within seconds, underscoring how tight the GC battle remained as the stage neared its end.
Other strong performers stayed within a few seconds of the podium, underscoring the depth and competitiveness of the field. The climax centered on the climb to Pico Jano, where time gaps widened and then stabilized, shaping the GC outlook for the days ahead. For fans and analysts alike, the day reinforced this year’s edition as a dynamic chess match where breakaways, climbs, and sprint tactics all contribute to the evolving narrative of each stage.
The seventh stage, scheduled for Friday, travels from Camargo to Cisterna over roughly 190 kilometers. The route again promises a mix of challenging ramps and fast sections, offering another chance for riders to mount a decisive challenge or to defend gains earned in the mountains. Teams will scrutinize the profile, balancing energy management with the objective of positioning their leaders for the late-stage finale.
Stage 6 showcased how consistent climbing form, smart race sense, and timely accelerations can still decide stage honors even in a field packed with GC contenders. Vine’s performance adds another compelling chapter to his growing career and serves as a reminder that this race remains highly unpredictable, where a single, well-timed move can rewrite the standings in an instant.