ToB: Andre Greipel takes another victory in stage 6 of the Tour of Britain

Andre Greipel won his second sprint finish in Stage six of this year’s Tour of Britain in Great Yarmouth.

The German had too much pace for Borut Bozic and went on to claim his 20^th victory of the season. If he hadn’t had Mark Cavendish as a teammate this man would surely have a few Grand Tour victories under his belt this season.

Greipel also won the opening stage from Rochdale to Blackpool beating Manuel Belletti to the line. The victory was also the second today for his team, fellow sprinter Mark Cavendish won his third stage in la Vuelta a Espana.

Mayer Makes the Brake

Cameron Mayer from Garmin-Transitions made a brave attempt for a victory today and it looked like he could do it. He launched an escape with Jeremy Hunt initially but the Cervelo ride was soon dropped and Jaroslav Marycz joined Mayer. The two managed to build up a big lead of seven minutes assisted by a tail wind most of the way, but the Aussie launched an attack and lost his Saxo Bank companion.

Mayer managed to hold an advantage over the peloton for a long time, but he was eventually swallowed up by the group just before the 1km to go banner.

Illness Strikes Again

Greipel’s teammate Michael Albasini crossed the line purple from the cold and looking very worse for wear. The Swiss rider had suffered from dysentery a couple of days ago and it still seems to be affecting him, but he keeps hold of the yellow jersey for another day despite losing time to Bozic. The Vacansoleil rider took six seconds out of the leader and moved in to second place, bumping Richie Porte from Saxo Bank down in to third.

Team Sky spent most of the day on the front to try and push fourth place man Greg Henderson up the rankings. The Kiwi did his best to help the situation and came fourth in the sprint but he only managed to make three seconds on the yellow jersey.

Illness has struck down riders on several tours of the past few weeks and Dan Martin became the latest victim not making the start this morning. Geraint Thomas also had to push through the pain barrier, the Welsh rider suffering from sickness.

Tomorrow’s stage will take the riders 152,3km south from Bury St Edmunds to Colchester. There are three 3^rd Category climbs and the victory will be for the sprinters who can make it over the hills.