Col de la Croix Neuve, Mende, France
A really hot day in the Massif Central with 3 small category 3 or 4 climbs before the cat 2 climb 2 k from the finish. On the first climb things started to break apart. On the second climb a group of 18 escaped. Included were Vinokourov, Kloden, Hesjedal, Casar, Hushovd and Aerts. A bit later Kloden attacked and was joined by Vinokourov, Hesjedal and Kiryienka. Vinokourov was first up the last climb at Mende. Contador and Rodriguez were together and Rodriguez won the stage after catching Vinokourov at about 2 k to go. Andy Schleck is still in yellow.
