Tour de France stage six preview

Stage six of the Tour de France 2022 starts in Binche, and finishes 212.9 kilometres later, in Longwy.

As today’s stage runs through perfect breakaway country maybe some overall contenders will be tempted to slip a beer from the renowned brewing town of Binche in their back pocket to quench their thirst on the race’s longest stage – maybe.

Tour de France stage six: expected timings

Tour de France stage six route

Although the parcours looks like a nailed on day for the break to succeed, the punchy finish could well mean any escapees will be hunted down by a peloton packed with riders who’ll fancy their chances of success. 

The finale is a little different from the one where Peter Sagan won in 2017. It’s been beefed up significantly with the addition of the Côte de Pulventeux 6km from the finish. Averaging 12% for 800m, it should shake out some wannabe stage winners. Following that, the riders will hit the Côte des Religieuses, which winds for 1.6km up to the finish, the gradient briefly reaching 11%.

Useful Tour de France 2022 resources

• Tour de France 2022 route
• Tour de France 2022 standings
• Tour de France 2022 start list
• Tour de France 2022 key stages
• How to watch the 2022 Tour de France
• Past winners of the Tour de France
• Tour de France leader's jerseys
• Tour de France winning bikes

Tour de France stage six: what to expect 

Timing is key to success on this stage. Back in 2017, BMC, notably Richie Porte, worked hard to set up Greg Van Avermaet, while Bora’s Rafał Majka sat in behind them with Peter Sagan on his wheel. With 250 metres remaining, Sagan decided it was time to take advantage of the armchair ride that Majka had provided for him. He went to the front, stomped on the pedals, pulled one foot out, got it back in again and still had enough in hand at the line to hold off Michael Matthews’ late charge. However, the new Pulventeux climb offers an opportunity to lighter and more explosive riders.

Tour de France stage six: riders to watch

The climbs aren’t long enough for Ardennes Classics riders to prevail, so once again we're looking at the likes of MVDP. But make no mistake, the GC riders must be at the front too. A first stage win for Tadej Pogačar?