Stage 6 of the Volta a Catalunya was set to have a decisive day in the Berguedà mountains, however, the stage was affected by extreme weather conditions that forced a 2/3 reduction in the route, eliminating the passage through the passes of Coll de la Batallola, Coll de Pradell, Collada de Sant Isidre and Queralt, instead taking in a 73-kilometer circuit around the city of Berga.
A breakaway formed quickly, including Lidl-Trek’s Carlos Verona, who was recognized as the most combative rider of the day. With 10km remaining, the group was reeled in, before multiple riders attacked hard, using the uphill final five kilometers as a springboard to break clear. However, none were able to stay away for long, until Quin Simmons’ powerful move under the flamme rouge. The American went deep to hold off the chasing sprinters, but his effort was rewarded with a career-first WorldTour victory
The peloton tackled a far flatter route than anticipated, and one which was neutralized until inside 30km to go.
A flurry of attacks followed the restart, with Carlos Verona (Lidl-Trek) and Frank van den Broek (Team Picnic PostNL) amongst the main aggressors.
Van den Broek remained active following their recapture and pushed ahead again with Wout Poels (XDS Astana Team) and Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) with just over 4km to go.
Simmons was one of several riders who bridged across and he leaped clear with 1km to go. He powered onwards on the uphill ramp to the line and held off a fast-moving Pavel Bittner (Team Picnic PostNL).
Intermediate sprints plus the time bonuses at the finish were all canceled Saturday, meaning Ayuso and Roglič’s razor-thin tussle will play out on Sunday’s lumpy final stage in Barcelona.
