Greig Leach

Astana had a plan, perhaps taking a page from Tinkoff Saxo's play book. They put six of the team's nine riders on the front (two more were up the road in the early break). The boys in turquoise raised the pace to a near lethal level, shedding hopefuls and pretenders alike. By this point, many of the other contenders were down to one or two teammates (if any) for support. The move was so strong that Richie Porte (Team Sky), called up his team car in hopes of any ideas on how to respond to the show of strength. It was a little ironic, considering that setting a vicious pace is modus operundi for Team Sky.