Greig Leach

The most recent man to join the continuously swelling breakaway was the Italian Sergio Palinho (Tinkoff Saxo). He had bridged across from the peloton mainly as an insurance policy for the Tinkoff Saxo leader, Alberto Contador. As Paulinho slide onto the back of the break as Diego Rosa (Astana) was discussing the teams alternatives on besting the strong and talented Contador. Benat Intxausti (Movistar) had zipped down the first mountain and looked well positioned to achieve his goal of securing his hold on the blue of the King of the Mountains jersey. As the group road across the valley floor, they passed through several tunnels carved through the steep foothills of the Dolomites.