Greig Leach

With several big climbs in the middle of Stage 7, a group of 7 riders got out in front of the peloton, continuing the near perfect matching of numbers in the break to the number of the stage. When a group is working together they will create a pace line, where the first guy in line breaks the wind for a while then swings off the front and goes to the back of the line. Once in the back the rider has a chance to catch his breath while the next rider breaks the wind. Due to the slip stream created as the wind slips around the leader the second rider uses as much as 50% less effort than the guy with his nose in the wind. Lieuwe Westra (Astana) looks over his shoulder to find where he will be slotting in when he gets to the back. It is also a good chance to get a look at his fellow breakaway members to assess their remaining strength.