First stage that could really have an impact on the final overall rankings. On the first half the stage doesn't look hard at all, but on the final kilometres there are 2 climbs, where the strongest riders could make the difference.
Four riders are in the day's breakaway: Stoltz, Serov, Kupfernagel and Wacker. Serov and Kupfernagel are both at their second breakaway in this tour after their breakaway in the first stage. Serov might be a threat for the KoM rankings if they will managed to get with the breakaway so close to the finish, where the climbs are
And looking at the pack the escapes will probably have no chance to win today as Nokia - Nike, Irn Bru and 100% ME are leading the chase behind them
Right before the first climb of the day Kupfernagel was left behind and caught by the pack. Only Stoltz, Serov and Wacker are now in front
But they won't stay too much there as the pack is coming really fast, less than one minute behind them
Wacker attacks the other escapes and neither Serov or Stoltz had enough energy to come after him
He had no problems taking the KoM points at the end of the climb
Serov and Stoltz took the other points, with Thuaux and Lara Ruiz coming very fast from the pack to end the top 5 on the climb
There were some riders interested for more than just the KoM points in the pack and Szczawinski made the first important attack of the day
Three riders came with him: Hermans, Bertogliati and Sawada
Soon Wacker was caught and even left behind by the 4 attackers
As the last climb started Szczawinski stopped his efforst and he seems to have lost the contact with the other 3 riders
The climb proved to be too hard for Sawada and only Bertogliati is able to keep it up with Hermans, but the Belgian rider was the one who got the most points at the top of the climb
Szczawinski caught Sawada just before the top to finish third on the climb
There were some attacks in the pack but only for the KoM points from Caruso, Jaksche, Thuaux, Ochoa Quintero and Cassidy. Cassidy took some points there but it looks like he lost the jersey to Hermans
5 km left from today's stage and it looks like Hermans and Bertogliati will fight for the stage win
25 seconds behind them are Szczawinski and Sawada, but they don't look strong enough to catch the first group
After one minute the pack shows up there, lead by the EON Ruhrgas riders, but it looks like that they lost it today
Bertogliati got the better position there, staying behind Hermans and waiting for the perfect moment to make his move
Less than one kilometre to go and Bertogliati doesn't look strong enough to beat Hermans today as he tried to over take the Belgian rider but he failed
But with every meter past Hermans gets tired and tired, with Bertogliati looking able to make the over take now
Bertogliati looks behind... he fooled Hermans and took the win there, but Hermans is still the big favourite as he is a better puncheur than the Nokia - Nike rider
Sawada beat Szczawinski in the sprint for the third place, finishing 33 seconds behind the winner
Mohs made his first good results in this race but only to lead the pack to the finish line, behind the attackers, takings the same time with Sawada and Szczawinski, 33 seconds behind Bertogliati and Hermans
Bertogliati is the new leader of the race followed closely by Hermans, with the previous leader, Swift, third now
Stage
1
Rubens Bertogliati
Nokia-Nike
2h56'01
2
Ben Hermans
Wiggle Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
3
Kensyo Sawada
Team Ultra Adventure Pro Cycling - Sponsored by Hello Kitty
