After two-days of unsuccessful attempts, a French-filled breakaway has finally succeeded. While Sammy Dumoulin took the honours from the four man group, the biggest prize went to Agritubel sprinter Roman Feillu, with the breakaways 2 minute gap over the main field enough to deliver him the yellow jersey. He now leads the race by 35 seconds from fellow escapee Paolo Borghini, who finished fourth on the days stage. American William Frischkorn was the fourth member of the successful quartet, and finished second. Robbie Mcewen led home the peleton to improve his standing in the points competition.
With strong winds causing the peleton to split coming into the finish a number of main GC contenders will be disappointed to have lost time on today's stage. While Cadel Evans, Carlos Sastre, Damiano Cunego and Alejandro Valverde rode home with the main bunch, the likes of Denis Menchov, Riccardo Ricco, and Roman Kreuziger lost over 40 seconds after they were caught in the second group when the bunch split. Ricco will be especially disappointed as he has not only lost the White Jersey to new race leader Feillu, he has also fallen behind GC prospect Andy Schleck in the race for best young rider. Tour rookie Trent Lowe finished another 2 and a half minutes back in the last group home on the road.
Feillu's reign in the maillot jaune may be short lived with the first of this year's two time trials being held tonight. And with World Time Trial Champion Fabian Cancellera less than two minutes off the pace we may have another change of the leaders jersey come this time tomorrow.
Yellow Jersey - Roman Feillu
Green Jersey - Kim Kirchen
Polka Dot Jersey - Thomas Voeckler
White Jersey - Roman Feillu
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