Todays stage is headlined by the longest climb in the race and perhaps one of the longest road climbs in the world at 65kms!
We do not finish atop this climb however and given that it is in the main climbed at a relatively sedate percentage we are expecting a small group sprint.
It could be the best chance for a breakaway and Bucciero (Boeing), Boivin (Alstom) and Roulston (WWE) go for it.
The trio work well together cojoling each other on and up the big monster they go, sadly Boivin has to let go 8.5km from the top.
Behind the now two leaders we still have 50 or so riders led by Die Berg with Moreno and Arooyo right there in green and yellow at the head.
It proves a tight battle but Bucciero manages to hold of the pack solo to take the mountains points at the top of the climb. The Italian has another story to tell the grandkids. He also gets the KoM lead as none of the leading candidates behind are in position to sprint for the points.
They descend quickly down the other side and in a messy sprint Eibegger (Magna) edges out Moreno (Iberia) and Lutsenko (MTN) in the sprint.
Stage results
50 riders finished together at the end of this one. No GC riders fancied this one.
GC
Moreno would have snatched the lead based on stage positions in all stages had he won the stage. Without the yellow jersey it will be much harder in the next two stages to wrest it off of Arroyo.
