Central France is bathed in glorious sunshine ahead of the sixth stage of the Tour, the 195.5 km between Aigurande and Super-Besse

Prince Albert II of Monaco talks to former Tour winner Bernard Hinault prior to a stage which includes the first serious climb of the race

Britain's Mark Cavendish, who is not expected to challenge on day six, is slapped all over the newspapers after winning stage five

Alejandro Valverde, one of the favourites for the overall title, is patched up after going over his handlebars on Wednesday

The pack rides through the French countryside during the 195.5 km sixth stage

The finish to the stage is an 800m category two climb to Super-Besse, with Italian Riccardo Ricco hitting the front late on

Ricco holds off Alejandro Valverde and Cadel Evans to celebrate victory in the sixth stage after timing his run to perfection

But Luxembourger Kim Kirchen is close behind in fifth to take over the yellow jersey from Stefan Schumacher