Greig Leach

Maybe the Tour organizers decided to be a bit kinder this year. The take back from the rest day was a long flat stage giving the peloton a chance to loosen their legs back up before heading to a hard mountain stage tomorrow. So that set up the vain glorious attempt to out wit the peloton. I think Hugo Houle (Astana-Premier Tech) knew the answer to his question to his companion, Tosh Van Der Sande (Lotto Soudal). However, if you aren't a sprinter, you know their is no chance you will win a flat stage anyway. So why not take a very, very slim chance and go off the front. The duo built up about a five minute lead at 158 kilometers to go, but then those behind decided that was far enough.