NICE, France (AP) — Sylvain Chavanel of France has won a bunch sprint to take the sixth stage of the Paris-Nice race on Saturday, while Richie Porte of Australia retains the leader’s yellow jersey.
Chavanel edged out Philippe Gilbert of Belgium to complete the 136-mile trek from Manosque to Nice in 5 hours, 14 minutes, 23 seconds.
Porte leads the overall standings, 32 seconds ahead of Andrew Talansky of the United States ahead of Sunday’s final stage, and is looking to become the first Australian to win the weeklong race.
The Sky team controlled much of the race to protect Porte’s lead. Ego Silin and Eduard Vorganov of Russia broke away from the pack in the opening miles and were joined by nine riders. The small group built a lead that reached nearly four minutes after 54 miles, but was reeled in 22 miles from the finish.
