As it happened: Double breakaway success for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as yellow jersey changes hands on Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes stage 6

Stage 6 of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes delivered a dramatic day of racing, highlighted by a double breakaway success for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and a significant change in the race leader’s yellow jersey. The 182.3km mountain stage from Saint-Vulbas to Crest-Voland featured two category 1 climbs in the final 20 kilometres, setting the scene for an intense battle among the general classification contenders. Despite several withdrawals before the start, including notable names like Wout van Aert and Michael Matthews, the race unfolded with a large leading group and aggressive tactics from key teams. Early in the stage, the peloton split into two groups, with around 60 riders forming a leading breakaway that included representatives from most of the major teams. Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe played a prominent role, with riders such as Callum Thornley and Gianni Vermeersch active at the front. Meanwhile, the chasing group, containing several GC hopefuls like Paul Seixas and Isaac del Toro, worked hard to reduce the gap. The challenging terrain and tactical moves throughout the day kept the race open and competitive, with the summit finish at Crest-Voland proving decisive. The day’s efforts culminated in a successful break for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, who managed to secure a double victory in the stage and the overall lead. This marked a pivotal moment in the race, as the yellow jersey changed hands, signalling a shift in the general classification dynamics. The team’s strategic approach and strong climbing performances underlined their growing influence in the race, while other favourites faced the challenge of regrouping and responding in the remaining mountain stages. Looking ahead, the next three mountain stages will be critical for the contenders aiming to reclaim time and challenge the new leader. With the race now entering a decisive phase, teams will need to balance aggressive tactics with energy conservation as the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes heads towards its conclusion. The withdrawals and illnesses that have affected several riders add an unpredictable element, making the battle for overall victory even more intriguing in the days to come.