After BORA-hansgrohe narrowly missed winning a stage in the first five stages of this year’s Tour of Britain, the German team could take the victory on today’s sixth day of the British race. Like the previous stages, the 146-kilometre-long stage from Southend-on-Sea to Harlow was decided in a bunch sprint, where Dutchman Danny van Poppel perfectly positioned himself in the hectic final. In the end, the BORA-hansgrohe rider had the highest speed and overtook his opponents in a tight photo finish. In the overall standings, the Belgian Wout van Aert continues to lead, while van Poppel is in fourth place, three seconds behind.
Results
1 VAN POPPEL Danny 3:14:34
2 VERNON Ethan s.t.
3 GUDMESTAD Tord s.t.
Quotes
“I am very happy about this win, especially since beating Jumbo-Visma is anything but easy – as the last stages have shown. After the Tour of Germany, I knew I was in good shape. Accordingly, I am happy that I was able to win a stage here. That applies even more since I’m usually the lead-out man in our sprint train, so I’m happy to use my chances. I’m now looking forward to the last two stages. Recently, I’ve also felt good on short climbs.” – Danny van Poppel
“This victory is, of course, particularly emotional. In the past few days, we have tried everything possible to beat Jumbo-Visma, but more than the podium was never within reach. Today’s win takes a big weight off our shoulders. Congratulations to the entire team! The decision in the overall classification will be made in the next two stages. With Danny van Poppel and Nils Politt we now have two riders with chances for a good result.” – Jens Zemke, Sports Director
Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency