Winners
Thomas Voeckler
While a knee injury may have thwarted his attempt to repeat last years GC performance, it has certainly not dampened is attacking instinct and sharp racing brain. A few attacks on the Grand Colombier helped to keep the pace of the leading four and move them away from the chasers, before comfortably dispatching of his breakaway companions in the final 500m. France television was very pleased. And as a bonus he picked up the polka dot jersey, which he may be tempted to pursue all the way to Paris.
Jurgen Van Den Broeck
Eventually got away at the third attempt towards the top of the Grand Colombier, the Belgian climber worked well with Pierre Rolland to bridge across to the second group on the road and hold off the peloton to gain 32 seconds. Looked strong, so must be bitterly disappointed looking back at the dropped chain at the bottom of La Planche des Belles Filles.
Team Sky
Another day defending the yellow jersey which never looked like getting out of control. Richie Porte looked comfortable chasing down Van Den Broeck’s early attacks on the Grand Colombier and it was clear that the recon work paid off when Nibali was allowed to go, with Sky safe in the knowledge that the final 40km would be difficult alone. Froome and Wiggins also looked assured keeping things together in the final kilometre.
Losers
Tony Gallopin
Suffering from a stomach bug, the young Frenchman lost over half an hour today, which saw him slip from 13th to 45th today. Unfortunately this also means he’s lost contact with the other names in contention for the white jersey, which now seems to be a three horse race between Van Garderen, Taaramae and Pinot.
Luis Leon Sanchez
After good showings at the Dauphine and Tour of Romandie and looking strong with a good attach on the Grand Colombier, the Spanish rider was arguably the favourite to take the stage from the small group with a tough finish, even if he was riding with an injured wrist from a fall last week. However in the end he was easily beaten, being unable to respond to the moves of Devenyns, Voigt or Voeckler.
Student Cyclist 