Greig Leach

Even before the end of the neutral zone, the part of the stage where the rider process through the start town before the true racing gets underway, you could see Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) itchy to jump away from the dropping of the flag. He was quickly joined by Luis Mate (Cofidis) and the two set off on a long attempt on a flat stage. So yes, it was a repeat of the script into London from Stage 3, down to only two men deciding to give the break a go. I was surprised that the peloton let Voeckler go, it was several years ago that they made the same gamble and he ended up wearing the Malliot Jaune for ten days. On that occasion, he won the hearts of the French people by staving off Lance Armstrong's bid to win another Tour.