The sixth day of the Criterium du Dauphine took place in very wet weather conditions today. On the demanding profile over 183 kilometers, the day was marked by many attacks right from the beginning. The combination of bad weather, continuous up and down, and a very high pace has made an elimination race out of today’s stage.

From a four-member top group, the former world champion Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida) took the stage win and the Tour de France winner Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) took over the overall classification. Paul Voss was able to keep up with a reduced chasing group until the final climb. The 29-year-old German crossed the finish line on the 26th place and jumped to the 23rd place in the general classification.

"The conclusion of today: a super hard stage and a very good performance from Paul. Yesterday, he showed that he is in very good shape and he has delivered again today. That was a highlight on this hard day. The other guys were in the big field with three-quarters of the peloton and after just 30 kilometers already behind the front of the race. We saw an old bike race at the front today – with favorites that have attacked already 100 kilometers before the finish", describes Enrico Poitschke, Sport Director of BORA – ARGON 18, the hard day.

"All the guys are fit and didn’t crash, so we are one of the few teams that are still complete. Each of our riders can go to the limit everyday. We don’t need to look at or protect anybody in the GC. Everyone can ride for his own chances and therefore everyone also has the opportunity to offer himself for the Tour de France selection", Poitschke specifies the tactics of the final weekend.