Another dead-flat stage. After the previous stage, this one must be for the sprinters. After all, they had the entire stage yesterday to relax for today. If the sprinters decide to go for it, we will probably also see who's injured after yesterday and who isn't.
As with the previous stage, a strong and large group managed to get away. The riders were: Willems, Heijboer, Bernucci, Vaugrenard, Thomas, Lancaster, Laidler, Seeldraeyers, Le Mevel and Tschoop. Behind them, Mironov, Mori and Goss were trying to bridge, but obviously the front group didn't want Goss to join -- and they managed to keep them behind.
It seemed like the peloton was more aware today, but it was still not going very fast. With 100 km to go, the gap was 8 minutes, but slowly decreasing. 50 km later, it was down to 5'32 minutes, and obviously, the peloton would have to go faster if they wanted to catch the breakaway. The increased pace also gave some problems in the peloton which suddenly began to split up. The A1, including riders like Schleck, Ricco and Cunego, quickly regained contact, but question is if this was due to their crash yesterday?
Anyway, 30 km to go and the gap is now 4'49, and it's definitely impossible for the peloton to catch the break. At the same time, Tschoop obviously didn't have more energy and had to let go of the break.
In the peloton, Andy Schleck was the very last rider with Ricco only few meters ahead. However, none of the favourites lost time today. But it didn't seem too good.
In front, the sprint is about to start, and based on the stats it's going to be G. Thomas vs. Bernucci. Bernucci is on Thomas' wheel, and it's going to be interesting.
It's Bernucci in front now! Thomas is stuck, it seems.
It's a victory for Carlsberg and Bernucci! 2nd is Thomas, as expected.
