**** Rodriguez, Nibali, Valverde
*** D. Martin
** Uran, Betancur, Evans, Peraud, Contador
* Intxausti, Pozzovivo, Fuglsang, Nieve, Monfort

Fairly strong breakaway today.

However, only 3 broke away on the final climb: Pirazzi, Nordhaug, and Roy.

In the peloton that sparks were already flying. All the know suspects were gone and had a huge gap. Instead of following I played it cool with the team. Tommy felt good so he protected me while Janier paced.

And with almost no trouble, the group was caught.

However, almost directly after, Valverde put in another surge. Once again I just stayed with the team biding my time. I know following those bursts would just kill me. I'm not strong enough.

I decided not too attack, but push on the front with Janier. However, Pirazzi, swept up from the break, had other plans. I soon realized I was boxed in, and I lost a few seconds getting back out.

But enough was enough. I needed to pull onward if I wanted to be with the lead trio ever again.

And on a slightly flatter section, I managed to close the gap. However, as if on cue, the rest started to catch up from behind.

Of course, Purito saw that as a sign to accelerate again. I just wasn't there. As Uran caught me, I just had to focus on not cracking.

Somehow, managed to reach the front yet again! The pace was almost a standstill, but I decided to not ride tempo. It was inevitable for an attack to come. I just had to keep with it.

But they didn't. And with only 1 km left nobody wanted to make a move. I sat right on Rodriguez's wheel as we waited for the final sprint.

That was the perfect position! Rodriguez launched his final kick with 500 meters to go. I stayed glued to his wheel!

200m to go and I launched! We were side by side! He had half a wheel! Had I gone too late?

Right on the line! I didn't know who was ahead. I just lunged my bike towards the finish! Who had it?

ME!!! I WON! I FRICKING WON!

Purito and I gain 11 seconds, but who cares! I got the stage!

Uran gains a bunch of time for his top 5 bid, 46'' down on ME.

Evans, Contador and Nieve finish at 1'38''.

And finally the rest of the group, including Acevedo and 3 Ag2r guys 11 seconds later.

You may notice unusual times for our team at the bottom. unfortunately, thee was a wreck at the bottom of the climb in back of the grupetto near our team car involving Milalr, Vansummeren and Hansen.

They lost a lot of time and were forced to ride the mountain will no one but each other. As the time limit came up, Millar and Vansummeren were forced to giv eit all they had, and they had something Lasse Norman Hansen didn't. So he was eliminated on today's stage.

Every day has it's drawbacks, but I can't be sad right now! I won a GT mountain stage against 3 of the world's best!

No GC changes. I gained a little time but nothing substantial.

And finally, I will wear the points jersey tomorrow! No, not as the leader, Purito has that. but I climb to 2nd, and if I work hard for it I might hope to snatch it away from him!

That's it for today folks! Time to crack open the champagne on the team bus! Tomorrow is the last rest day! I'll see you the day after!

Does it need explaining? We just go out and ride.

Some big names in the break like Pozzovivo.

The points jersey is pretty nice.

Skip to the final climb and we are helping to set the pace.

A huge attack by Valverde. Purito follows!

Acevedo pushed forward. They were stronger, no doubt.

Somehow we pulled out an advantage on the main field, so I tucked in and he dug even deeper.

Acevedo had final had enough as we bridged up tot he others and the breakaway. Nibali didn't want to miss out, so he attacked as well.

Unsurprisingly the pace slowed when everyone grouped back together. Pozzovivo saw this as an opportunity and sprung ahead while we looked at each other.

But he didn't get far, as Purito counter attacked almost immediately. I followed Valverde, but he couldn't hold the wheel.

We almost caught him on the flat part, but he surged again, and I wasn't about to give those guys my wheel.

So I sat back behind the group. Rodriguez has 30 seconds and no one was catching him. I could feel my energy draining from the reserves I used yesterday.

But nevertheless, Purito soloed to another stage win!

Under 1 km to go I finally cooked it a little, but not badly. They finish at 23'', and I at 36'', easily in 4th place.

Not a bad day. I add to my list of 4th places. Tomorrow is the last flat day t recover, and I really need to. I want to show my critics that I have the recovery to perform in a GT!