In contract, stage six is almost completely flat. It is, however, the longest stage of the race and the 180 kilometres between the start in Skibbereen and the finish in Clonmel will give plenty of opportunity for attacks. The route passes through Dunmanway (23.8km), Kilmichael, Donoughmore (77.5km), Dromahane (92.7km), to the feeding zone near Mallow, then Mitchelstown (135km), Ballyporeen, Ardfinnan and to the finish line in Clonmel. Those hunting for a stage win or to improve their overall position will aim to get into a long-distance breakaway, but this could equally turn out to be a day for the sprinters in the race.