Tour de France into Day 6

GERONA, Spain — Tour de France riders have set off on the sixth stage as cycling’s premiere race dips into Spain for two days.

The 177 riders are heading southwest along the Mediterranean on a 112.8-mile course along plains, the coast and a few small hills from Gerona to Barcelona.

Thursday’s stage features a slight uphill finish that could have an impact on the overall standings. It’s likely to favor breakaway riders or sprinters seeking a stage victory.

Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland has been the only man to wear the yellow jersey this year. Seven-time winner Lance Armstrong is a split-second behind and 2007 Tour champion Alberto Contador is third, 19 seconds back.

The Tour ends July 26 in Paris.