Greig Leach

As they neared the end of the final truly bad section of pave, Sector 4, the Carrefour de l’Arbre, the early break away was now reduced to just six women. Marta Lach (Ceratizit-WNT) led them over the cobble stones as she had over most every sector. Behind her the former Canadian champion, Alison Jackson (EF Education-TIBCO-SVB followed in turn by the Swede on the French team, Emilia Fahlin (FDJ-Suez) swung left pass the gendarmes, press photographers and all of the screaming fans. With the wreck behind, they were able to stretch out their advantage on those chasing behind.