Takes GC lead with Stage 6 solo win

Rabobank rider Robert Gesink took charge of the Tour de Suisse stage race with a classy solo victory aboard his Giant TCR Advanced SL team bike in the 213-kilometer sixth stage from Meiringen to La Punt. The win put the 25-year-old Dutch rider in the overall lead of the nine-day ProTour event.

Gesink launched a daring solo attack on the steeps of the Abulapass, the final climb of the day. He left behind the race favorites, passed the remnants of an earlier breakaway, and then held his advantage on a fast descent over the final 10 kilometers.

Gesink crossed the finish line 42 seconds ahead of a chase group that included American Lance Armstrong and Luxembourger Frank Schleck, both contenders for the upcoming Tour de France. With the win, Gesink snatched the leader’s jersey from German Tony Martin. Gesink will carry a 29-second lead into the race’s final three stages. The race concludes Sunday, June 20, with a challenging 26.9-kilometer time trial in Liestal.