Stage six of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California went to Sylvain Georges (AG2R La Mondiale), a young rider who spent nearly 175km of the 186km stage in the breakaway, driving a relentless pace with his fellow escapees. One by one they cracked and drifted back to the main peloton, but Georges put in a spectacular effort and got himself to the finish line a full 28 seconds ahead of the bunch. The peloton was driving tremendously hard to catch him, but Georges would not be denied.
The breakaway also featured current King of the Mountains leader Sebastian Salas and his teammate Andrew Bajadali (Optum Pro Cycling), who worked together to keep David Boily (Spidertech-C10) from getting his hands on Salas' Mountains jersey.
The GC didn't move after stage six, and Saturday's climb up Mt. Baldy is likely to decide the entire race. Current leader Dave Zabriskie isn't a phenomenal climber, but it's not out of the question that he could hang on. The other GC contenders will be relentless in their attack, though, as Tejay Van Garderen (BMC), Tom Danielson (Garmin-Barracuda), and Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank) make thier move for the overall victory in the 2012 Tour of California. Mt. Baldy is the last shot for any man who wants that prize, so competition up that climb should be fierce.
The GC Standings following stage six:
1) David Zabriskie (USA) Garmin - Barracuda 25:37:05
2) Tejay Van Garderen (USA) BMC Racing Team 0:00:34
3) Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team 0:00:39
4) Peter Velits (Svk) Omega Pharma-Quickstep 0:00:45
5) Andrew Talansky (USA) Garmin - Barracuda 0:00:48
6) Luke Durbridge (Aus) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team 0:01:01
7) Thomas Danielson (USA) Garmin - Barracuda 0:01:07
8) Rory Sutherland (Aus) UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team 0:01:10
9) Cameron Meyer (Aus) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team 0:01:26
10) Lawson Craddock (USA) Bontrager Livestrong Team
Stay tuned to this storystream for previews, updates, and more from the 2012 Amgen Tour of California. As always, Podium Cafe is your source for quality cycling news and analysis.