Egan Bernal: impressive defense of the Tour of Switzerland podium in a short and frenetic stage

The Colombian Egan Bernal (Ineos) He gave a cycling lecture and defended the podium place of the Return to Switzerlandafter the sixth stage, which took place this Friday over 42 kilometers, shortened due to bad weather in the region, and in which Adam Yates (UAE Emirates) retained the lead and won Joao Almeida.

The day took place between Ulrichen and Blatten and for the short part, since the attacks were present, especially in the final stretch, a first-class climb that ended near the finish line.

Great result

Since the flag was lowered, escape attempts began in which they left Stefan Bissengger, Frank van den Broek and Anders Foldager, who had a slight advantage in the first sections of the route, while behind the group went at a normal pace in an effort to ensure that the difference did not increase.

Bernal was always protected by his teammates, like Brandon Rivera who was his ally almost always. Ayates also relied on his team and men like Joao Almeida were key to defending that yellow shirt during the short journey.

USA Emirates, As has been customary during the race, it has been the team that has had the most chips in the lot, so it always took control to defend Yates’ lead. Meanwhile, the others were waiting for the ideal moment to attack, although this time those moments were reserved for the final ascent.

When the climb began, 7 km from the finish, the three leaders had a difference of one minute and seven seconds, but the UAE defense was strong and with 4 km to go they managed to control the breakaway.

And 3 km from the finish, Yates jumped out of the group after the work of Isaac del Toro. Bernal took his step, he does not want to go head to head and he was smart, he had nothing to go with the leader, so it was better to do his race, take care of his podium.

Egan Bernal tried with two kilometers left, he started, was attacking, decisive and went for Yates, but Almeida and Mattias Skjelmose They reached him. The Portuguese went for his leader and they began to define the stage. Almeida was the winner and Yates was confirmed in first place. Bernal was fourth in the stage and retained third place overall.

This Saturday, stage seven with departure and arrival in Villars-sur-Ollo, of 118 kilometers, a day with mountains and before the end there will be a first-class prize.

Classifications

Stage

1. Joao Almeida 55 min 13 sec

2. Adam Yates at 4s

3. Mattias Skjelmose at 9s

4. Egan Bernal at 15 seconds

5. Lenny Martínez at 35 seconds

7. Enric Mas at 47 s

20. Sergio Higuita at 1 min 45 s

28. Brandon Rivera at 2 min 38 sec

67. Einer Rubio at 5 min 13

General

1. Adam Yates 16h 39m 46s

2. Joao Almeida at 27 seconds

3. Egan Bernal at 1 min 28 s

4. Mattias Skjelmose at 2 min 24 sec

5. Enric Mas at 2 min 38 s

12. Sergio Higuita at 4 min 48 s

24. Brandon Rivera at 10 min 23 sec