4 riders break away early in the stage. They are Roy, Stybar, Rosch and Redondo.
With none of them having any mountain points yet, they don't sprint at the first KoM prime.
1. Stybar (6 points)
2. Rosch (4)
3. Redondo (2)
They don't sprint for the first two intermediate sprints either. Respectively Rosch and Redondo take one.
The peloton, where Lotto are setting a gentle pace, is then 7 and a half minutes behind. This is were the tougher hills start.
Redondo takes the second 3rd category climb where the leaders once again didn't sprint for the points. They too busy working to protect their lead as it's now at over 10 minutes with only 88 km remaining. Following the 1minute/10km rule they stand a very good chance to stay away but they could lose a lot of time on the big HC climb if the top climbers go for it.
1. Redondo (6)
2. Rosch (4)
3. Stybar (2)
The four are still working well together at the 3rd categorised climb.
1. Stybar (6)
2. Rosch (4)
3. Redondo (2)
Halfway up the climb and the peloton still isn't intrested in chasing. The lead is now over 14 minutes and that means Roy is now the provisional leader!
The leaders are still together as they go over the top of the HC climb. Their lead over the peloton is currently 14'39 with only descend and flat remaining. They will definatly fight it out for the stage win but can Roy also take the leaders jersey?
1. Stybar (20)
2. Redondo (14)
3. Rosch (12)
Ultimately something happens in the peloton near the top of the climb. Samwel, Denifl and Velits. All three are very good climbers who have already lost considerable amount of time. Velits and Denifl only attack for mountain points though and are quickly back in the peloton during the descent.
That isn't the case for Samwel. He gets joined by Jeanneson, Sorensen and Juul-Jensen and form a chase group about 1'30 in front of the peloton.
But Sorensen is only 1'21 behind in GC so Lotto starts to chase hard together with UBS.
At the front the escapees have almost entered the final 10 kilometres and that is the sign for Rosch to attack. But unfortunately for him he isn't strong enough and is quickly brought back.
So Redondo is the next rider to try.
And things are looking good for him as he has a gap of 26 seconds when he passes under the banner indicating 5 km to go.
He goes under the red kite with his lead still intact.
But Stybar and Roy still have some energy left for a sprint. They quickly come closer to Redondo but the Spaniard in front can already see the line.
Redondo looks over his shoulder, puts his hands in the air and claims a deserved victory after a very well timed attack right after Rosch was caught. Stybar sprints to second while Roy takes third.
Being 13'53 behind in GC and having taken 12 bonus seconds he needs the peloton to finish 13'41 behind the winner.
Lotto were clearly very keen on keeping the jersey as they set a fierce tempo over the last 10 km brining back the 4 chasers and getting the gap to around 11 minutes which means De La Fuente keeps the leaders jersey after an uspectacular day.
