Tour de Suisse: Rui Costa rides to 7th place, as Aru continues to build form

The first uphill finish of the Tour de Suisse in 2019 and the first real clash between the best climbers of the race. Stage 6 from Einsiedeln-Flumserberg was just 120.2 kilometers long but made challenging by a 3rd cat climb and ending with a punishing climb of 8.5 kilometers at 9% average.

The UAE Emirates Team ended the day being able to rejoice in the 7th place of Tour de Suisse veteran Rui Costa, who along with teammate Alexander Kristoff formed a group of 24 riders, which got reduced on the final ascent.
There were encouraging signs also shown by Fabio Aru, 15th at 1’11” from stage winner Antwan Tolhoek (Jumbo-Visma) and was present in the main group of attackers.
Sergio Henao came home in 17th place, at 1’20 “.

The general classification sees Aru break into the top 10, now in 9th place at 1’07 “from the new leader Egan Bernal (Team Ineos), and Sergio Henao climb to 13th place at 1’22”.

Rui Costa speaking on the line: “My feelings were better than those of the past few days, I knew I had to be ready in the first kilometers to get in the main move and managed to reach this goal.
Once in the lead group, I held a high pace, then trying on the final climb to do my best. I’m not at my best and I know I can do better. I think that I’m improving my fitness day after day  and I hope to finish the Tour de Suisse in good condition. ”

Fabio Aru showing his satisfaction: “I tried to pace myself up the final climb as I’m still finding my feet and have very few race miles this season.”
I’m happy because I finished the climb among the strongest guys, that’s why I’m happy with the performance and this result. Not many from my group finished ahead of me which was good.
Everything is going well, I’m trying to improve my race pace, as Iit was a long lay-off. ”

Stage 7 leaves from Unterterzen, after 216.6 kilometers of the race the riders will face the second and last uphill finish of the Tour de Suisse – the Gotthard. Though not before they climb the slopes of the 2nd category Flims and the Lukemanierpass.

Stage 6 results
1 Antwan Tolhoek (Ned) Jumbo-Visma 2h43’34”
2 Egan Bernal (Col) Team Ineos 17″
3 Francois Bidard (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale 24″
7 Rui Costa (Por) UAE Team Emirates 44″

General classification after stage 6
1 Egan Bernal (Col) Team Ineos 18h40’18”
2 Rohan Dennis (Aus) Bahrain-Merida 12″
3 Patrick Konrad (Aut) Bora-hansgrohe 29″
9 Fabio Aru (Ita) UAE Team Emirates 1’07”