Greig Leach

The weather became another competitor in today's stage, the combination of muddy roads, cold, wind and rain, followed by an emerging rays of sun. The riders were hard pressed to get their clothing right, the right amount of layers, arm warmers, vest, rain capes were constantly being handed back and forth between riders and their team cars. At some points, racers would simply pass gear to different team cars figuring it would get sorted out at the end of the day. Simon Greschke (Giant-Alpecin) took heart from is early escape from the break, to press on in earnest, this time he had the big man from Wanty-Groupe Gobert, Mirko Selvaggi, along for the ride. Greschke must have been feeling really strong as he rarely forced Selvaggi to do his share on the front.