Carlos climbs to sixth at the Tour de France

Carlos Rodriguez moved up to sixth overall following stage four at the Tour de France with an impressive ride over the Col du Galibier.

The Spaniard rode hard in a massive early race mountain test, finishing sixth on the day as part of an elite five-man chase group. The Grenadier crossed the line 37 seconds behind solo stage winner Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), on a day that saw the Slovenian ride back into yellow. Pogacar caused the lead group to fracture following a big acceleration with 800 metres to go up the infamous Galibier. 

Rodriguez climbed well and used his descending skills as part of a group which reeled Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) back in on the run for home. Carlos now sits 1:16 off yellow, with team-mate Egan Bernal joining him in the top 10 in 10th.

Bernal became distanced with 4km of climbing to go, but was able to limit his losses well, finishing in a chasing group alongside Geraint Thomas at the line. He now sits at 3:21 on GC.

Early on the combination of a tough uphill drag from the very start and a high pace made life very difficult for the peloton. Eventually the Grenadiers were able to regroup well as the race returned to French roads, and began the final climb as a unit.