Posthuma took a solo risk

The Dutchman broke away 20km from the finish to cross the line 30 seconds ahead of German Joerg Ludewig, with Australian Aaron Kemps taking third.

American CSC team rider, Bobby Julich retained the overall leader's jersey, despite finishing three minutes behind.

"It was a good day for me. I felt pretty well. There is one more stage to go and I'm confident that I'm going to retain the jersey," said Julich.

Julich leads Spanish pair Constantino Zaballa and Alejandro Valverde by 19 and 20 seconds before the 135-km last stage to Nice on Sunday.

Paris-Nice sixth stage results:
1. Joost Posthuma (Netherlands) Rabobank 4 hours 41 minutes and 24 seconds
2. Joerg Ludewig (Germany) Domina Vacanze one minute and 10 seconds behind
3. Aaron Kemps (Australia) Liberty Seguros 1:42
4. Cyril Dessel (France) AG2r Prevoyance same time
5. Thomas Ziegler (Germany) Gerolsteiner 3:10
6. Bram Schmitz (Germany) T-Mobile
7. Marc Lotz (Netherlands) Quick Step all same time 8. Tom Boonen (Belgium) Quick Step 4:02
9. Jens Voigt (Germany) CSC
10. Jaroslav Popovych (Ukraine) Discovery Channel all same time