Peter Kennaugh today edged another step closer to winning the Tour of Austria.
He retained his 29-second lead over Damiano Caruso, who finished stage five three places ahead of Kennaugh, but on the same time.
Kennaugh was seventh, 57 seconds behind stage winner Jesse Sergent.
Speaking afterwards, the 25-year-old Manxman said, "That was an extremely difficult stage today.
"Fortunately I had three teammates with me after the Gro?glockner mountain.
"Christian Knees did an great job today, it’s unbelievable how he raced."
There are three stages left, with the race coming to an end on Sunday.