The objective was again to get in the break of the day at this hardest day of the race so far, with lots of KOM’s and 3000 gaining meters. To be in the break – away would also mean a huge presence at the TV live coverage. So, it was a strong goal.
But again the circumstances – in form of 160 other cyclists – did not want to support the target as a 9 man break went away without the guys from Stradalli – BIKE AID. But it was even worse this time, as the break consisted of 9 guys from highest level. But what does that mean? Well, when the bunch let a group go, it means that it is easier for them to control the race. But in the event that a group like this is going, it is very dangerous that the break can arrive. So the bunch has to chase all the time “full-gaz” and there is actually no minute slow.
Again it was the situation for the guys from Stradalli – BIKE AID that they had to fight hard. And that is what they did. Not for the victory, but not to get dropped. Only at the penultimate climb Amanuel Mengis had to let the pack go as Team SKY and Team Movistar set an incredible high tempo to get off from the Sprinters in the peloton.
At the end it was Oscar Gatto from Team Tinkoff who won the stage in front of Ben Swift – Team SKY.
