Erick Rowsell produced a tenacious display on stage six of the 2016 Tour of Britain, to finish ninth on the day and keep himself in 14th on general classsification.
Despite exerting himself in a day-long break on stage five – where he finished third – Rowsell showed his form again on the hilltop finale of Haytor, crossing the line just 30-seconds down on stage winner Wout Poels (Team Sky).
Rowsell’s performance also saw him gain time on several of his general classification rivals and break into a top ten full of talent, with two days of racing remaining.
Earlier in the stage Tom Stewart escaped the peloton to form the break of the day, on the 150-kilometre stage from Sidmouth to Haytor.
However, the peloton approached the second uphill finish of the tour at top speed, sweeping up the breakaway and dropping riders on their way to defining the general classification.
Attacks from the from the front were matched by groups dropping off the back – however Rowsell stayed in contention when it mattered.
He must now refocus for the three remaining stages, the first of which is a time trial in Bristol that will shape the overall standings for a second time in 24-hours.
Madison Genesis will start stage seven with five riders, following the withdrawal of Alex Blain was forced to abandon the race early on stage six, with injuries sustained in a crash on stage five.
Result – 2016 Tour of Britain
Stage six
1. Wout Poels Team Sky 03:56.15
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9. Erick Rowsell +00:00.30
53. Matt Holmes +00:08.47
54. Tom Stewart ST
80. Matt Cronshaw +00:24.24
102. Taylor Gunman ST
DNF Alex Blain
General classification after six stages
1. Steve Cummings Dimension Data 27:04.11
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14. Erick Rowsell +00:04.34
35. Tom Stewart +00:13.15
61. Matt Holmes +00:29.49