A flat stage where we will work for Jorge. Hopefully we can make amends to the fans.

A six man break got away, looking for the win.


Wind caused a huge split, which left us all at the back of the front group. The break would win.


This gave us an idea. We tried to force the pace and drop Roche, but he stood firm.


Diluca did very well and made gaps, but to no avail.


Berard won it.


Meanwhile, our effort just helped Stolting and Zabel get the win.


Jorge outsprinted the others to take 2nd out of the peloton.

So that's the end of the beginning. The first race of the season is over, and I have to put my disappointment behind me when I race in Spain. I did pick up the White jersey and the King of the Mountains jersey so I can be satisfied with my efforts.

Virgilijus got off to a good start to his season, with 2nd place in France. We also managed to get a wildcard to the Tour de France, largely thanks to Thibaut Pinot.

The first break of the tour got away. It was Vermote, Fernandez and Goncalves.


Our train was in perfect position. Dennis was in top form, and he unfortunately kept getting in the way. He was told to go back.


Eventually Sean gave in and let him lead the train. However, he took to the front and destroyed the rest of the train.


He actually got himself a decent gap and went for it. Could this be happening?


Rohan entered the last kilometre alone. However, he was out of energy, and the peloton had started sprinting behind.


Only John Degenkolb could catch up. It looked like he would win it. And admirable performance though from our Aussie.


Even more admirable though was the fact that he won! It was really on the line stuff, but Rohan just managed to hold off the German.


Another few metres and it would've been different.


I also managed to sprint to 8th, and Jagoba 10th.


Another victory for the team.


Really close, but somehow the organisers didn't award a time gap. Damn flat stages.

Another flat stage, this time with a bit of a punchy finish.

Vandewalle and Van Goolen were the duo who went ahead.


The train was blocked horribly, and it looked like the race was over for us.


However, early sprinting got the boys back up ahead. Rohan followed them.


Eventually Degenkolb took the win and the yellow jersey. Dennis, Duque
and Montenegro took 8th, 9th and 10th.

An 8 man break went up the road.


Rohan was protecting me up the big climb of the day.


He brought me up to the favourites group, before dropping back. Fuglsang was up the road with some of the breakaway.


I was leading my group, as we tried to catch the the next section of riders later on.


It was Fuglsang who took the win.


I took 10th. A decent show which would put my 8th in the GC.