25 km to go, but only ~16-18 to the start of the climb up Côte de Saint-Ferréol
16:44 - 25km To Go
The leaders are less than 25km from the finish. Their advantage is just 40”.
16:38 - Which Of The Three Will Attack...?
Sylvain Chavanel is doing the most work in the lead group. The peloton is enjoying a favorable wind and is closing in on the escapees quickly. With the bunch just 40” behind, surely one of the leaders will lash out with an attack soon. Don’t be surprised if it’s Mr Aggression, Chavanel - loves to attack and he’s shaping up for a surge right now...
16:36 - Lead Down To 55”
The sprint teams are likely to get their way today. With 32km to go, the advantage of the three escapees has been reduced to just 55”. The maximum gain for Chavanel, Flecha and Fedrigo was 6’00” at 31km.
Bernhard Eisel being Renshaw’s replacement to give Cav a leadout...
16:51 - 20km To Go
The peloton is inside the last 20km of the 196km stage. It is 32” behind the three escapees.
16:50 - Change Of Wind Direction
The peloton is now traveling at around 35km/h. The power is still being put into the pedals - with all of the HTC-Columbia guys putting out over 300 watts - but the wind has change to the speed has eased...
16:48 - O’Grady Leads Schleck
Stuart O’Grady is riding tempo near the head of the peloton beside Bernhard Eisel. On the wheel of the Saxo Bank domestique is the yellow jersey, Andy Schleck.
16:46 - Astana Moving Up
The sprinters’ teams have been leading the peloton all day but now that its in the final 25km of the stage, the teams of the GC riders are coming up front to keep their leaders out of trouble. The pace of the bunch is extremely fast - thanks to the efforts of HTC-Columbia, which is assisted by a few Milram riders and a tailwind - and the deficit of the peloton to the three escapees is just 35”.