Greig Leach

As the big boys of the GC crested the final climb of Cote de Boufflers with just five kilometers to go, they all snaked across the road, each watching the other to see who was going to jump first. With Peter Sagan (Cannondale) on the front of the group, no one wanted to carry him to the line. On his wheel was Movistar's Alejandro Valverde, followed by Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo), tucked in behind him, Greg van Avermaet (BMC) and then the defensive Maillot Jaune, Vincenzo Nibali (Tinkoff Saxo). Sagan was the only real threat to Nibali's lead but he had no interest in conceding time to anyone in this group. Garmin Sharp's Andrew Talansky is along for the ride, just not in this painting. Sadly, despite his best efforts, Tejay van Garderen (BMC) has yet to tag onto the back of the stretched out peloton. He is facing losing the time that he gained on the cobbles two days ago.