Eight racers have broken away while Predictor leads the peloton. Soon after, Discovery takes over the pacemaking at the front. Rabobank is minus another. Menchov stops roadside and gets in the team car, probably demoralized.

At 20km to go, the eight leaders seem to crank it up a notch. The break will survive! Elmiger, Voigt, Bennati and Fothen split the lead group to focus on a stage win. They are less than 1km to go. Fothen is last in line but shoots from the back and passes everyone. He’s got some speed going but Bennati is coming around to take the win. Over nine minutes back, Boonen leads the peloton across the line. In a way, the mood seemed subdued.

I may be angry, I may be sick to my stomach, but I realize I remain a fan of bicycle racing. It’s exciting to see the fans along the road waving flags and being proud to support their countrymen. The passion remains and the drama continues.