On the final day, however, the fifth victory in the fifth sprint of the tour through the south of China was not a matter of course. The sprinters around Magnier only returned to the peloton in the last ten kilometres of the 134-kilometre stage around Nanning, after the last climb of the day had led to the formation of a group. The 21-year-old Frenchman didn't have the timing of the first few days in the finale, setting off early, but was still able to defend second and third place against Stanisław Aniołkowski (Cofidis) and Paul Penhoët (Groupama - FDJ), who were coming on strong.

While the sprinters had to fight until the last few metres, the overall classification was decided when Lafay's breakaway attempt, which he had started on the last climb 20 kilometres before the finish, was thwarted with around twelve kilometres to go. After that, the classification riders didn't hurt each other anymore, so Double was able to defend his victory with 15 seconds ahead of Lafay and one more on Jhonatan Narvaez (UAE Team Emirates - XRG).

Magnier: "Didn't expect this fantastic result"

Magnier's points jersey was no longer in danger, and Simon Guglielmi (Arkéa - B&B Hotels) could also be sure of winning the mountains classification early on in the day. Jørgen Nordhagen (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) defended the junior classification. His team also won the team classification.

"We came here with big ambitions because we wanted to ride a good race, but we didn't expect this fantastic result," Magnier was quoted as saying in a statement from his team. "I've been in top form for the last two months, but I didn't think it would be possible to win five stages, especially as sprinting on these wide roads is different to what I'm used to. After I took my first win, I was more relaxed and every other win from that moment on was a bonus," said the Frenchman. "It was an unforgettable week for us in China and I would love to come back here one day, maybe even next year."

Tour of Guangxi - Results stage 6

>> Tour of Guangxi 2025: route, stages, TV coverage & live stream

>> Cycling transfers: The changes of the top teams

>> Tour of Guangxi 2025: Double takes the queen stage and is on the verge of overall victory

How the 6th stage of the Tour of Guangxi 2025 went

The early first uphill classification in the race after eight kilometres meant that the competition quickly picked up speed. With a length of 1,300 metres and an average gradient of 11.5 per cent, the climb was a serious obstacle that immediately caused a bit of turmoil in the peloton. Behind the leading group of Reuben Thompson (Lotto), Ewen Costiou, Léandre Lozouet (both Arkéa - B&B Hotels) as well as Nans Peters (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team) and Clément Davy (Groupama - FDJ), a notable chasing group briefly formed around Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates - XRG), mountain bike world champion Alan Hatherly (Team Jayco AlUla) and Thomas Gloag (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), but they dropped back into the field.

Meanwhile, the quintet at the front were also kept on a tight leash and were rarely given a lead of much more than a minute. After the third crossing of the climb, only 30 seconds remained. Meanwhile, the peloton was torn apart, with a good 20 riders forming the first part. However, the split was short-lived and the breakaway's lead recovered. The picture was repeated at the next crossing.

When the climb was crossed for the last time around 20 kilometres before the finish, the breakaway group came to an end. And, as expected, it was Lafay who launched an attack. The Frenchman was also able to break away from the peloton as a soloist and gain a few seconds, but there was still a long way to go to the finish. In the meantime, Kafay had a 20-second lead. However, Double's remaining helpers mercilessly chased down the Frenchman, who was caught again twelve kilometres before the finish.

However, Magnier and the other sprinters were missing from the group, but after the leaders had joined up with the first chasers, the pace was off, so that the fast men were able to roll up from behind in another bunch. Last attempts by Gloag and Fausto Masnada (XDS Astana Team) to avoid the sprint from the large group failed. And so it was Magnier who was able to celebrate his fifth stage win in China.