Vuelta 2024: Impeccable O’Connor solos into La Roja

Ben O Connor - Vuelta 2024: Impeccable O'Connor solos into La Rojafoto: Cor VosAfter an action-packed opening hour, the breakaway forms on the first climb, the Puerto de Boyar. Among the attackers are Ben O'Connor and Gijs Leemreize. The Australian drops the Dutchman on the penultimate climb and solos to victory. He finishes minutes ahead of the GC group and takes the overall race lead. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 6th stage 2024 Vuelta

1. Ben O’Connor (aus)
2. Marco Frigo (ita) + 4.33
3. Florian Lipowitz (ger) + 5.12
4. Clément Berthet (fra) s.t.
5. Cristián Rodríguez (fra) s.t.
6. Gijs Leemreize (nld) s.t.
7. Mauri Vansevenant (bel) + 5.35
8. Urko Berrada (spa) + 6.02
9. Isaac del Toro (mex) + 6.31
10. David Gaudu (fra) s.t.

– most GC riders s.t.
51. Adam Yates (gbr) + 8.54
65. Giulio Ciccone (ita) 13.12
70. Matthew Riccitello (usa) + 13.52

GC after stage 6
1. Ben O’Connor (aus)
2. Primoz Roglic (slo) + 4.51
3. João Almeida (por) + 4.59
4. Florian Lipowitz (ger) + 5.18
5. Enric Mas (spa) + 5.23
6. Cristián Rodríguez (fra) + 5.26
7. Antonio Tiberi (ita) + 5.29
8. Lennert Van Eetvelt (bel) + 5.32
9. Felix Gall (aut) + 5.38
10. Mattias Skjelmose (den) + 5.49

Race report
Attacks are flying from the gun, but no break after 44 kilometres of frantic action. Then Joshua Tarling, Marco Frigo and Gijs Leemreize set off before 30 more riders come across. The attackers open up a gap of over 1 minute, while Filippo Zana punctures just before Puerto de Boyar, so a break of 32 riders enters the first climb of the day.

The action continues on the climb. While Clément Berthet, Pelayo Sánchez, and Cristián Rodríguez attack from the front, a group with Thymen Arensman, Rémy Rochas, Richard Carapaz, Max Poole, Chris Hamilton, Giulio Ciccone, Isaac del Toro, Jay Vine, Ben O’Connor, and Florian Lipowitz tracks down the chasers.

The peloton does not allow this and a regroupment takes place. Only the three attackers remain at the front. Although Jay Vine, Mauri Vansevenant, Ben O’Connor, Florian Lipowitz, Luca Vergallito, Marco Frigo, and Urko Berrade keep on pushing as well. Pablo Castrillo and Gijs Leemreize rejoin them, and the nine make it back to the lead group. They reach the summit 30 seconds ahead of the peloton before Chris Harper bridges across in the descent.

O’Connor takes a time bonus of 6 seconds in Ronda; Rodríguez earns 4 seconds; Berthet 2.

O’Connor attacks in the run-up to the Puerto del Viento, and Leemreize goes with him. The reach the summit 30 seconds ahead of Frigo and Berrade, while Sánchez rejoins the chasers later. The peloton is over 5 minutes adrift at the Puerto del Viento.

O’Connor distances Leemreize on the Puerto Martinez, while Frigo leaves the chase group to go after Leemreize. The Australian reaches the summit 6 minutes ahead of the peloton.

The solo rider hits the finish climb 6.30 minutes ahead of the peloton. Which is more than enough for the stage win and the leader’s jersey.

Adam Yates, Giulio Ciccone, and Matthew Riccitello are among the riders losing time after crashes.

Another interesting read: route 6th stage 2024 Vuelta a España.

Vuelta a España 2024 stage 6: routes, profiles, videos

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Ben O’Connor


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