Greig Leach

Lilian Calmejane (Direct Energie) had ridden hard in the 7th stage of the race and was rewarded with the Polka Dots of the King of the Mountain for his labors. Not willing to wear the jersey for just one day (as Axel Domont (Ag2r La Mondiale) had prior to surrendering it to Calmejane), he got himself over the tops of the first four climbs on the day, thus ensuring that he will finished the day as the over all winner of the King of the Mountains once he crosses the line in Nice. Calmejane had the advantage of being shepherded by the very experienced and successful Sylvain Chavanel. Riding in this group at the start of the final climb, Col d'Eze were Julien El Fares (Delko Marseille Provence KTM) and surprisingly the sprinter, Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain Merida).