13:54 - Lead Up To Two Minutes
The peloton is now 2’00" behind Martinez (DSC), Zabriskie (CSC), Sinkewitz (TMO), Calzati (A2R), Leipheimer and Scholz (GST), Flecha (RAB), Aerts (DVL), Tossato (QSI), Hinault (C.A), Isasi (EUS), Moreni (COF), Vaugrenard (FDJ), Quinziato (LIQ) and Pineau (BTL).
13:53 - "The Escape" Established...?
Leipheimer is the best-placed in general classification of the current escape group but they are now 1’15" ahead of the peloton.
The American leader of the Gerolsteiner team began the 18th stage in 18th place overall, 22’01" behind Oscar Pereiro (PHO).
The riders who escaped at the 53km mark and currently lead by 4’00" are:
Egoi Martinez (DSC)
Dave Zabriskie (CSC)
Patrik Sinkewitz (TMO)
Sylvain Calzati (A2R)
Levi Leipheimer and Ronny Scholz (GST)
Juan Antonio Flecha (RAB)
Mario Aerts (DVL)
Matteo Tossato (QSI)
Sebastian Hinault (C.A)
Inaki Isasi (EUS)
Cristian Moreni (COF)
Benoit Vaugrenard (FDJ)
Manuel Quinziato (LIQ)
Jerome Pineau (BTL)
Best placed riders in that group are Leipheimer & Sinkewitz at 18th & 25th, respectively. Something like 22', then 50' out of the overall lead.
Today's going to be pretty ho-hum.
Levi is in the break because he wants to keep his place in the Top 10. He knows he is going to tank it in the TT tomorrow.