Torres climbs to fourth as Del Toro remains firmly in GC contention at Tour Auvergne-Rhone Alpes

Pablo Torres continued his solid return to competition with a strong fourth-place finish on Stage 6 of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, while team leader Isaac Del Toro remained firmly in the general classification fight after the first real mountain test of the race.

The first major Alpine test of the race was won by Maxim Van Gils (Red Bull Bora hansgrohe) and proved to be one of the most decisive stages so far. A large breakaway of more than 50 riders established itself early in the day, with the peloton ultimately allowing the move to contest both the stage victory and a significant portion of the overall classification. As a result, the race was transformed on the long climb to Crest-Voland, where the strongest riders from the break battled for victory while the GC contenders fought behind.

Torres showed good awareness throughout the stage, and he was joined in the break by his French compatriot Benoit Cosnefroy. The 20-year-old Spaniard crossed the line in fourth place after a measured ride on the decisive climb, continuing an encouraging comeback following his knee surgery earlier this season.

Pablo Torres: “The legs felt good but it was a really hard and long stage. I was able to follow the best riders until the end but just suffered a bit at the line. I wasn’t able to take the win but I’m really happy with my performance. It was a huge breakaway, it felt almost like a peloton. The speed was so high all day. I’m happy as I didn’t expect to be so strong so early after coming back to racing. I’m excited to do a good job here and for the next races.”

The result marks another significant milestone for Torres, who only recently returned to racing after several months away from competition. Having spent much of the spring rehabilitating his knee injury, the young Spaniard has quickly demonstrated that he is rediscovering the form that made him one of the most highly regarded prospects in the peloton.

Meanwhile, behind the stage battle, Isaac Del Toro delivered another mature performance in the general classification group. The Mexican worked with other pre-race favourite Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) despite the upheaval caused by the large breakaway.

Del Toro now remains well positioned in 10th spot on GC, 3’22” behind race leader Luke Tuckwell (Red Bul Bora hansgrohe) heading into the decisive final stages, with the race still set to be decided in the mountains over the coming days.

Stage 6 results

1.Maxim Van Gils (Red Bull Bora hansgrohe) 4:06:34

2.Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X) s.t

3.Luke Tuckwell (Red Bull Bora hansgrohe) +6”

4.Pablo Torres (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +13”

General Classification after stage 6

1.Luke Tuckwell (Red Bull Bora hansgrohe) 22:14:55

2.Bruno Armirail (Visma Lease a Bike) +1’12”

3.Guillaume Martin (Groupama- FDJ) +2’00”

10.Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +3’22”