The day's break was finally formed after 20km of attacks from riders in the peleton. Alex Dowsett (MOV) and Ben Swift (SKY) were the men who managed to break the elastic of the peleton.

Several attempts from Trent and Nathan left them in pieces, so orders were given for Richardson to try and bridge the gap to the pair out front.

After a long chase, Simon finally bridged the gap, and the British trio worked well to open up a large 5 minute gap.

As the time gap reached 6 minutes, Peter Serry (OPQ) attacks out the peleton in pursuit.

Saxo-Tinkoff, Katusha and Garmin controlled the pace making of the peleton. Davide and Adam sat near the front to avoid danger.

Serry reached the British trio as they climbed the Alto de Espana. Behind the peleton was closing the gap.

Over the top and on the descent, the favourites showed their hands. Martin (GRS), van Garderen (BMC), Kreuziger (TST) and Davide formed a small group, with Adam further back with another larger group.

Simon Spilak (KAT) was the man to catch though, as he flew down the mountain, and straight past the breakaway group to lead on the road.

30km to go, and the peleton was all but back together. Spilak, Martin, van Garderen, Kreuziger and Marczynski (VCD) were all off the front trying to solo to the win.

Spilak was the last to be brought back, and then it was time for us to see what the others had left. Davide attacked first as we hit the 10km to go banner.

Davide was brought back with 5km to go, and as we entered a tunnel, Adam jumped out the saddle. On the other side, he had a lead of 22" with less than 1km to go!

Yates looks behind and he is well clear of Lopez, Cataldo (both SKY) and Navarro (COF). He can hardly believe it.! His first professional win!

Yet again, it was a group of three riders who got away at the start of the stage, with van Winden (BEL), Kaisen (LTB) and Sydlik (TSP) attacking as the flag dropped.

Saxo-Tinkoff and BMC took control of the peleton's pacemaking, and saw the break not as a great danger as the gap grew rapidly.

The break continued to work well off the front, extending their lead with every pedal stroke.

Approaching the half way mark, a sudden rush of panic fell over the peleton, as the sprinter's team suddenly realised that they gap might have grown too large. Bardiani, Saxo and Orica hit the front hard.

The increased pace was a little too much for some, as splits began to appear in the peleton.

5km to go, and the break was still a minute in front. At one point they looked like they would be caught, but somehow, they were defying the odds.

As the sprint began, it was less than 30 seconds to the break. It was going to be close finish to the stage.

There is no stopping Kruopis! The Lithuanian rider takes his second victory, as the breakaway is caught in the last 500metres. Poor day for Rapha-Bianchi, as the high winds took its toll on the team. Caleb just came away with a Top 10 finish.

With all eyes on the GC men for the stage, we decided to send Caleb up the road to claim back some points in the Points Classification

A total of 4 riders formed the day's break, with Delaplace (SOJ) and Rosskopf (HND) joining Caleb and Roth (CSS) in the attack.

BMC were the main team to take control of the peleton, but seemed very relaxed at the lack of threat the lead up the road.

Long before the climb to the finish began, the gap started to come down, as BMC added pressure to the front of the peleton.

Time for the opportunist to go on the attack. Durbridge (OGE) and Bazzana (UHC) tried to make a break.

As soon as the road went upwards, Caleb just couldn't keep up the pace. Climbing is not his strong point, but his job for the day was done.

Lequatre (BSE) was the next to try going up the road, as peleton start the cimb to the finish.

BMC continued to up the pace, and soon it was only the breakaway, minus Caleb up the road.

Sky took over control as the BMC train began to run out of steam. Remy was looking very comfortable with Fleeman for company,

Suddenly BMC ran out of riders, and Frank was looking vulnerable. Orders were given to Remy to apply his own pressure, and attack, in an attempt to test tired legs.

2km to go and only Froome (SKY) could stay with Remy. Frank was blown to pieces, and it was time for others to attack him as well.

A big attack from Froome would give him the victory and the Leader's jersey, whilst behind, Mollema BEL) would just catch Remy to take 2nd place. Great ride from Remy for 3rd.

*****

Kruopis (OGE) proved again that he is the man to be beat, with Colbrelli (BAR) and Oss (BMC) rounding off the podium. Ewan crossed the line a disappointed 25th.

*****

Daniel Oss (BMC) finally broke the Orica domination with a great win ahead of Colbrelli (BAR) in second. Matti Breschel (TST) rounded off the podium, with Caleb finishing an impressive 5th.