Greig Leach

This group had managed to drop Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) along with some others whose absence would effect the general classification for most of this very select quintet. Fabio Aru (Astana) with his teammate on his wheel were over four minutes behind the Maglia Rosa, so while they were gaining time on Contador, it was unrealistic to think that one of them might actually reclaim the coveted Pink Fleece. For Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) this group meant that he now has a very real chance of finishing in the top five, two minutes more and he might even make the top four. For the yellow clad Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Soudal) he was looking for that elusive stage win, and even had a long shot at reclaiming his Maglia Azzurro. Finally, Rigoberto Uran (Etixx Quickstep) was reclaiming his honor, health, and had the strongest sprint of the group and could therefore honestly hope for the first stage win for himself and his team.