Hushovd was strongest in the finishing sprint in Leon

German Andre Greipel was second in the bunch sprint with Erik Zabel third.

Danilo Di Luca retains the overall lead, four seconds ahead of Janez Brajkovic, with Andrey Kashechkin a further four seconds back in third.

Friday's seventh stage covers 154.2km (95.8 miles) from Leon to the 1,750m (5741.47 feet) high summit of the Alto de Morredero.

Stage six results:
1. Thor Hushovd (Norway / Credit Agricole ) 4:09:10"
2. Andre Greipel (Germany / T-Mobile ) same time
3. Erik Zabel (Germany / Milram )
4. Alessandro Petacchi (Italy / Milram )
5. Danilo Napolitano (Italy / Lampre )
6. Bernhard Eisel (Austria / Francaise des Jeux )
7. Luca Paolini (Italy / Liquigas )
8. Stuart O'Grady (Australia / Team CSC )
9. Alexandre Usov (Belarus / AG2R )
10. Francisco Ventoso (Spain / Saunier Duval )

Overall standings:
1. Danilo Di Luca (Italy / Liquigas ) 22:47:11"
2. Janez Brajkovic (Slovenia / Discovery Channel ) +4"
3. Andrey Kashechkin (Kazakhstan / Astana ) +18"
4. Carlos Sastre (Spain / Team CSC ) +29"
5. Jose Angel Gomez Marchante (Spain / Saunier Duval ) +35"
6. Alejandro Valverde (Spain / Caisse d'Epargne ) +36"
7. Manuel Beltran (Spain / Discovery Channel ) +55"
8. Tom Danielson (U.S. / Discovery Channel ) +58"
9. Ruggero Marzoli (Italy / Lampre ) +59"
10. Bernhard Kohl (Austria / T-Mobile ) +1:00"