Its time for the first main test against the clock of the race, not including the opening prologue.
Niels Scheunemann was the early leader. He and Raivis Belohvosckics (At 5 seconds) were the Top 2 for quite a long time - the likes of David Millar failing to beat them
They were expected to stay in the top two until Ruben Plaza finished, but before Plaza came a remarkably strong ride for Roman Kilun, who now takes the lead by 5 seconds
Through came Plaza though, beating Kilun comfortably - by 1'38. The Spanish TT Champion caught and passed the Spanish RR Champion Samuel Sanchez on the route
Pierre Rolland was the first rider to go under a minute slower than Plaza. He is next years French TT champion and does seem to be showing why.
Rolland's ride would ultimately be good enough for 4th - and in 3rd was David Abal after a strong performance
But who will win the day? It's definately going to be between Plaza and Gesink. Plaza led at the first split, but Gesink held a 3 second lead at the second. In the end, Gesink fell 10 seconds short of Plaza - but the consolation prize is that he takes over the race lead
Benat Intxausti had been the best placed before the stage to take the lead, but he only took 6th today
As expected, Iban Mayo lost the race lead. Infact, he is no longer in the Top 10 of the GC.
