There was no fourth win for Luka Mezgec in today's stage of the Volta a Catalunya as the break stayed away to the finish. Team Giant-Shimano chased hard but as they got help from other teams too late, they had to admit defeat to a very strong break.

Today’s sixth stage of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya saw a breakaway survive to the finish as Team Giant-Shimano concentrated on Warren Barguil’s top-10 place overall.

A breakaway of nine riders moved clear early in the day and come the final 20 kilometres they still had over two and a half minutes advantage.

The team started to chase but by the time that other teams joined the pursuit it was too late and the breakaway was too far ahead.

At the end of the stage Stef Clement (Belkin) came out on top and the bunch came across the line just under a minute behind.

Road captain, Johannes Fröhlinger said:

“It was a strong team effort today but unfortunately without success. It’s a real shame we lost Georg Preidler and Cheng Ji today.

“In the end the break was too strong and the other teams joined the chase too late. We rode well though and spent the whole stage together at he front as it was dangerous with the wind. This was important to protect Warren and his top-10 place overall.”

Coach, Addy Engels said after the stage:

“In the end the break was too strong for us but it was a good performance by the team. The stage was quite nervous and dangerous with strong winds and the guys stayed out of trouble and stayed in a good position.

“Cheng Ji was struggling early on and lost contact with the peloton. He dropped to far back and pulled out tof the race, as did Georg Preidler who was struggling with some knee pain.

“The guys showed great team spirit chasing hard after having lost two guys. The focus now is on conserving Warren’s place in the overall classification.”