Floris De Tier has been in the attack for over one hundred and sixty kilometres, In the sixth stage of the Tour of California with finish in Lake Tahoe. The 26-year-old Belgian was part of a leading group of nine riders who were taken back on the tough penultimate climb with less than twenty kilometres to go. Antwan Tolhoek and team leader Neilson Powless could not follow the high pace. Tolhoek finished in twentieth place, Powless in twenty-fourth. In the overall standings Tolhoek remains thirteenth, Powless climbed one place to fifteenth.

"My job was to be in the breakaway today and I succeeded”, De Tier said. “But it wasn’t easy. It was very special because we climbed to 2600 metres, something I had never done before. That made it difficult for everyone. I’m happy that I was in the breakaway. It’s good to build form for the upcoming weeks and months.”

“The stage went as expected”, Sports director Frans Maassen said. “It was good to see Floris in the breakaway. The final climb was too much, but he did a great job. Antwan couldn’t do the same as on Gibraltar road a few days ago. Sepp Kuss was very strong and did a good job for both Antwan and Neilson who will both finish in the top fifteen of the overall standings.”

Although Tolhoek made his comeback after having been injured, he had hoped for more. “I really had confidence in today and I felt good. Everyone helped me perfectly and I was ready for the final. Unfortunately, I wasn’t good enough to climb with the best. I really have to thank Sepp to ride with me to the finish the way he did”, Tolhoek said.

Tomorrow, the Tour of California will end with the traditional final stage in Sacramento.