Greig Leach

Even with the TV announcers and myself rooting for the two men of the break away, it turned out to be the day for the sprinters that all had expected it to be. Alexandrer Kristoff (Katusha) had the legs to best the rest and claim his second stage win and the third for the team. He beat out Henrich Haussler (IAM Cycling) and the perpetual bridesmaid, Peter Sagan (Cannondale). The others that stormed by Jack Bauer (Garmin Sharp) also included, Mark Renshaw (OPQS) and Bryan Coquard (Europcar). Bauer was so close to winning the stage ahead of the sprinters that he still managed tenth on the stage. The poor guy collapse after crossing the line, dejected and exhausted for a long, long break that almost was. Noticeably absent from the finale was the fast man for Giant Shimano, Marcel Kittel.