Greig Leach

Before each rider set out on their solo effort of 37.5 kilometers, they would roll up into the start gate. Each rider would be held upright so that they could have their feet on the pedals when the clock started as the main in front would count them down. The next rider to go would be getting prepared behind them as the clock counted down. Early in the day, the riders left the start house in two minute intervals, but once they got into the top riders on the general classification, they left in three minute intervals. Adam Yates (Orica-BikeExchange) wearing the Maillot Blanc of best young rider, was almost ready to roll and the Maillot Jaune of Chris Froome (Team Sky) was preparing to defend his position atop the leader board. Yesterday, Yates had the provisional Yellow Jersey due in part to the crash involving Froome, Richie Porte (BMC) and Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo), at least until the jury returned it to Froome. Yates was quoted as saying that he wouldn't have wanted to win the jersey by the misfortune of others. I am sure he is hoping against hope that he can win it today, but that will be a long shot indeed.