Breakaway day?

March 12 ^th 2021 - 05:07

If a stage looked designed for a successful break in this Paris-Nice, stage 6 between Brignoles and Biot is the one. Bunch sprints are behind us, La Colmiane is looming and Sunday’s stage in the Nice hinterland is often a tactical war of nerves between the leaders. The profile is ideal for attempts with five climbs on the menu, starting with 2nd cat Cote des Tuilieres at km 52. The big climb of the day is the direct succession of the 1st category Cote de Cabris and the 2nd cat Col du Ferrier, placed in the very middle of the stage, too far from the finish to make a decision, but enough for a breakaway group to build a comfortable lead if need be. The two Paris-Nice stages to finish in Biot, in 2011 and 2014, both crowned bold, aggressive riders and it is the same profile which is expected to shine today. While it is difficult to name favourites without looking fanciful, Michael Matthews (Bike Exchange) has shown great form since the start in St Cyr-L’Ecole, battled for bonus points and proved he was not far from the very best on the way to Chiroubles while the profile of the stage perfectly suits his qualities. But first of all he will need to be able to go in the breakaway. It will be the case for most of the peloton, which should lead to a very jittery start from Brignoles.