With just about 15 miles left in Stage 6 of the 2012 Tour de France, a massive crash in the peloton caused a significant backup in the race, as riders were strewn across the ground with injuries or searching for the missing parts on their bikes. This split the peloton in to two groups, the second being more than three minutes behind when it emerged. But it was Peter Sagan who pulled out the victory in the sprint to the finish on Friday. This is his third stage win in this Tour, capturing Stages 1 and 3 earlier.
With about one mile left in the race, Garmin-Sharp's David Zabriskie was overcome by the chase riders, not having enough energy to make one last push to stay ahead of his competitors. At that point, Sagan, Andre Greipel and Matthew Goss -- all riders who have been battling for victory over the last several days -- made their run to the finish. Greipel, who won the previous two days, couldn't hold off Sagan.
Garmin-Sharp's Ryder Hesjedal was one of the cyclists involved in the crash, and after being in the top 10 for the last few days he is now almost certainly out of contention for the yellow jersey.
Here are the top 10 finishers for Stage 6 (times according to NBC Sports Network at conclusion of race):
1. Peter Sagan, 4:37:00
2. Andre Greipel, s.t.
3. Matthew Goss, s.t.
4. Kenny Van Hummel, s.t.
5. Juan Jose Haedo, s.t.
6. Gregory Henderson, s.t.
7. Alessandro Petacchi, s.t.
8. Luca Paolini, s.t.
9. Daryl Impey, s.t.
10. Brett Lancaster, +0:04
SB Nation Denver is your source for 2012 Tour de France updates on Team Garmin-Sharp, and be sure to visit cycling blog Podium Cafe as well.
