In the sixth stage of the French stage race, the riders once again faced several climbs. Shortly after the start in Montbrison, three riders broke away and built up a maximum lead of two minutes. However, their breakaway came to a swift end, as the peloton was riding at a brisk pace.
On the penultimate climb, the peloton thinned out considerably. Team Visma | Lease a Bike was well represented by Femke de Vries, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, Marion Bunel and Van Dam. On the descent from the Col de Lalouvesc, Celia Gery opened up a gap, after which Van Dam and six others bridged across.
The eight-rider breakaway’s lead was comfortable enough to decide who would take the stage win. Van Dam waited patiently for her chance, but fell just short in the sprint. “I’m slightly disappointed, because I felt I could have won. But all in all, I can be pleased with the progress I’ve made and how I rode today”, said Van Dam.