Greig Leach

Once they had shucked the other four of the break, it was time to start thinking about taking the stage. Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) who has made a name for himself going on long breaks on some steep climbs, was the first to attack his fellows. He had seen that Marcus Burghardt (BMC) was weak on the climbs and strong on the flats, he also knew that Lieuwe Westra (Astana) is a two time Dutch Time Trial Champion and had already proved earlier that he is on good form in this Volta. He was successful in getting a gap, but then as they crested the steep climb, Westra countered his move and no one was able to catch his wheel, not then or until he had come to a stop after crossing the finish line.