15:13 - Lead Under Six MinutesThe five escapees are losing time quickly now. The peloton is closing in fast thanks to the efforts of Quickstep and Davitamon. The latest time check has Mengin, Gerosa, Kirsipuu, Kroon and Auge 5’50" ahead of the bunch.
15:12 - Corioni Abandons
The peloton is down to 187 riders. The second retirement of the 2005 Tour is Claudio Corioni of the Fassa Bortolo team.
15:33 - Lead 4’45"With the peloton at the 134km mark, it is 4’45" behind the five escapees.
15:31 - Plenty Of Punctures Today
Dario Cioni (LIQ) is the latest rider to puncture. The wet conditions have caused plenty of flat tyres today, including one for Jaan Kirsipuu - one of the riders in today’s escape group.