We won’t know who will win the Vuelta a Espana at the end of today’s stage, but we’ll certainly know who won’t be standing atop the podium at the end of the race. Join us for live updates from 12:00am (AEST).
Stage 6 is the first uphill finish of the race, from Benalmadena to La Zubia.
The stage itself is rolling, so even by the bottom of the final climb there will be some tired legs in the peloton.
The final uphill drag is actually less than five kilometres, but the climb drags up to 17 per cent at points, along with sections over 10 per cent, which will test even the main contenders of this Vuelta.
Favourites for the stage include Joaquim Rodriguez and Garmin-Sharp’s remaining general classification contender Dan Martin, but the likes of Alberto Contador and Chris Froome will need to remain close to ensure they don’t lose any time.
The added incentive of time bonuses on the line mean there is more point in overtaking your rivals for second or third even if the winner has already finished, making the race to the top more exciting.
This will probably be the day Michael Matthews loses his race lead unless he manages to reawaken his climbing ability from the Giro d’Italia. Nairo Quintana is the man in second place, but he probably won’t want the race lead this early in the race.
Follow all the action of Stage 6 here on The Roar.
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Thank you for joining me for The Roar's coverage of stage six of the Vuelta a Espana. Keep joining us for all the coverage of the remaining stages of the Vuelta. I'll be covering stage eleven next.
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New General Classification: Alejandro Valverde - Movistar - ESP Nairo Quintana - Movistar - COL (+15) Alberto Contador - Tinkoff-Saxo - ESP (+19) Chris Froome - Team Sky - GBR (+23) Joaquim Rodriguez - Katusha - ESP (+45)
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Chris Froome finished second, Alberto Contador got third, and Purito Rodriguez got fourth.
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Quintana was fifth on the stage, suffering in the final.
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Alejandro Valverde wins the sprint! A win for the green bullet!
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Froome and Contador have caught up!
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Rodriguez and Valverde have a gap. Quintana Froome and Contador chasing.
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Rodriguez lights the touch paper. Valverde follows.
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One kilometre to go and Valverde and Quintana are still on the front.
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Wilco Kelderman and Samuel Sanchez are also going backwards.
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Dan Martin is going backwards out of the front group along with Adam Yates.
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Alejandro Valverde is on the front for Nairo Quintana. Movistar looking impressive.
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George Bennett it was, but he's been brought back by Garmin-Sharp.
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Attack by a Cannondale rider.
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Cadel Evans is going off the back of the front group for BMC Racing. All on Sanchez for the Swiss-American outfit.
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All together in the peloton. Three kilometres to go.
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Le Mevel has Ligthart in his sights.
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Attack by Cofidis. Christophe Le Mevel is out front.
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Ligthart is going solo in front of Luis Mas Bonet.
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Pete Kennaugh (Sky) is marshalling the peloton as the catch is nearly made.