For the first time since coming back from suspension, Frank Schleck was on the offensive in a major bike race when he launched a big attack in the finale of yesterday's queen stage of Paris-Nice. In the end, it led to nothing but the Luxembourger enjoyed being back at the pointy end of a WorldTour race.

The 221.5-kilometer sixth stage of Paris-Nice between Saint-Saturnin-lès-Avignon and Fayence, the longest stage in this year’s race, was the first big test of the general classification contenders. The riders had to climb the Col de Bourigaille (8.2kms and 5.9%) at kilometer 202.5 followed with a long descent and then climb the short, but dreadfully steep, category two rated climb to the finish in Fayence.

The race was an aggressive and fast start and it was not until kilometer 69 that a 10-man breakaway finally established, which included Trek Factory Racing’s Grégory Rast. The escapees were never allowed a big lead, and when they hit the hills in the latter part of the race Sylvain Chavanel (IAM Cycling) and Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) attacked on a climb and bridged to the leading group. 

Despite the added firepower of the two strong Frenchmen, the climbs - coupled with Astana, Sky and AG2R leading the chase behind - brought everyone back together on the bottom slopes of Col de Bourigaille. Just over the halfway point of the eight-kilometer ascent Fränk Schleck tested his good form and jumped off the front, drawing two other riders with him. Over the top the breakaway swelled to six and had 14 seconds lead, but the long gradual descent favored a chasing peloton and all was back together heading into the final decisive uphill.

At just over one kilometer in length, but with fierce, steep pitches, the finish hill favored the explosive climbers. Carlos Betancur (AG2R La Mondiale) timed his effort perfectly as other riders struggled with the harsh gradient, and sprinted around World Champion Rui Costa (Lampre Merida) for the win - and the leader’s jersey.   Rounding out the top three was Zdenek Stybar (Omega Pharma-Quick Step), who also moved into fourth place overall.

Both Fränk Schleck and Bob Jungels finished with the vastly reduced front group and finished in 18th place (+11”) and 21st (+17”) respectively. Jungels maintains the highest GC placement for the team in 16th (+46”).

Carlos Betancur will take an eight second advantage in the general classification into the penultimate stage seven today as Geraint Thomas (Sky) managed fourth on the stage to hold onto second place overall. Rui Costa now sits in third.

After an 18 month hiatus from cycling Fränk Schleck continues to show he is ready to be back at the front, and his strong attack on Col de Bourigaille is proof of his increasing confidence.

“The team did a good job and kept both Bob and myself out of trouble. We showed good team spirit like yesterday. Having Rasty (Grégory Rast) in front was perfect. I wanted to try something all week, and I had a go. I felt good. But the climb was not steep enough to blow things apart. We were not able to win today but I had fun out there; being able to attack – I really enjoyed it.

“Of course what I spent in the attack, I missed that in the end. But it was not a finish climb that really suits me so I am not regretting anything. I think we did the maximum today.”

After his second place finish yesterday Trek Factory Racing’s young rising star Bob Jungels continued to show good legs, and was satisfied with his placing on the tough sixth stage.

“It was really hard and long race today. The start was tough with no breakaway going for the first 60kms. When the break went it slowed down a little. I knew the final climb here; I knew it would be real difficult for me because I am not one of the pure climbers. But I felt really good and was happy to be able to follow until the last climb and then finished as well as I could. If I finish here in 21st that’s not too bad - it was not a real finish for me. I think with the next two days we can be optimistic with Fränk – it’s going to be good.”

You can read our preview of stage 7 here and follow our live coverage at 14.25 CET on CyclingQuotes.com/live.