Greig Leach

The early break of the day total nineteen at the onset of their escape from the clutches of the peloton. However, by the time they reached the 11 kilometers to go it was just Kobe Gossens (Intermache-Circus-Wanty) and Javier Romo (Astana-Qazaqstan) were the only two still ahead of the peloton. As they scaled the final climb of the day, the Col de la Couiollole, they had to know that their chances of making it to the finish ahead of the fast closing heads of state were extremely limited. Still by now they simply had to see it through. Just behind them, the Shimano neutral service car was trying to get pass them, a sure fire sign that those behind were almost upon them.