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A Tale of Two
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 18-09-2012 13:13
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Critérium du Dauphinée - Stage 4
Stage 2 and 3 ended in a mass sprint. I didn't lose any time, which was all that I expected from those races.
An uphill finish, I like that.
The race itself was quite boring, so let's skip ahead until the final climb. I didn't feel like riding at a constant pace today, this time I wanted to try a new tactic: accelerations and attacks, tire out the competition. This brings a few more risks, but with my eye on the Vuelta, I'm willing to try this tactic.
When Jeannesson went, I followed.
I threw in a couple of short bursts of acceleration and after a while we had formed a group of 6, with 8.5km left to go.
Sorenson went and I took a gamble by not going with him, I wanted the other ones to go and tire themselves out.
Getting ready for the sprint, Brajkovic tried a late attack, which was exactly the same as a long sprint, if you ask me.
The sprint was off.
Whatever it was, Brajkovic's tactic had worked. I finish 7th.
Result
| 1 | Janez Brajkovic | Astana Pro Team | 4h46'52 | | | 2 | Chris Anker Sørensen | Team Saxo Bank | s.t. | | | 3 | Maxime Monfort | BMC Racing Team | + 21 | | | 4 | Daniel Martin | Garmin - SplitSe | + 34 | | | 5 | Arnold Jeannesson | Cofidis, Le Crédit en Ligne | s.t. | | | 6 | Branislau Samoilau | Movistar Team | s.t. | | | 7 | Eric Lombaerts | Lotto-Belisol | s.t. | IanButler | | 8 | Damiano Caruso | Liquigas-Cannondale | + 49 | | | 9 | Tony Martin | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | + 1'10 | | | 10 | Peter Stetina | Garmin - SplitSe | + 1'30 | |
GC
| 1 | Janez Brajkovic | Astana Pro Team | 13h42'01 | | | 2 | Chris Anker Sørensen | Team Saxo Bank | + 23 | | | 3 | Maxime Monfort | BMC Racing Team | + 33 | | | 4 | Eric Lombaerts | Lotto-Belisol | + 36 | IanButler | | 5 | Branislau Samoilau | Movistar Team | + 53 | | | 6 | Arnold Jeannesson | Cofidis, Le Crédit en Ligne | + 57 | | | 7 | Daniel Martin | Garmin - SplitSe | + 1'02 | | | 8 | Tony Martin | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | + 1'06 | | | 9 | Damiano Caruso | Liquigas-Cannondale | + 1'29 | | | 10 | Peter Stetina | Garmin - SplitSe | + 1'58 | |
Points
| 1 | Peter Sagan | Liquigas-Cannondale | 45 | | | 2 | Janez Brajkovic | Astana Pro Team | 35 | | | 3 | Damien Gaudin | Team Europcar | 32 | | | 4 | Jimmy Casper | Euskaltel Euskadi | 30 | | | 5 | Tony Martin | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | 27 | | | 6 | Gerald Ciolek | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | 26 | | | 7 | Christopher Sutton | Sky Pro Cycling | 22 | | | 8 | Davide Appollonio | FDJ-BigMat | 22 | | | 9 | Maxime Monfort | BMC Racing Team | 21 | | | 10 | Eric Lombaerts | Lotto-Belisol | 20 | IanButler |
KoM
| 1 | Janez Brajkovic | Astana Pro Team | 20 | | 2 | Chris Anker Sørensen | Team Saxo Bank | 18 | | 3 | Maxime Monfort | BMC Racing Team | 16 | | 4 | Daniel Martin | Garmin - SplitSe | 14 | | 5 | Fabian Wegmann | Rabobank Cycling Team | 14 |
I'm doing good, considering. I might make the podium here, with a time trial tomorrow and another two mountain stages later. |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 18-09-2012 13:16
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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@fcancellara: Ian Butler - The man you love to hate? 
@sutty68: Thanks  with this field, he may be able to do something.
@Raggieman: I hope so, too. 
@PCM rulezz: Thanks! |
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| SweatyViking |
Posted on 18-09-2012 13:39
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 919
Joined: 19-06-2012
PCM$: 200.00
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You know, EPO is harmful to the heart |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 18-09-2012 14:02
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Critérium du Dauphinée - Stage 5
A time trial much to my liking. With Tony Martin around, I don't have much chance at winning. However, this will give me a clue about my training for the WC TT, which I will intensively do during my absence until the Vuelta.
I took a good start, not too fast like last time.
I kept a good pace and even passed Samoilau.
Then it was waiting for the verdict.
Result
| 1 | Tony Martin | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | 44'34 | | | 2 | Eric Lombaerts | Lotto-Belisol | + 1'06 | IanButler | | 3 | Luis León Sánchez | Katusha Team | + 1'07 | | | 4 | Janez Brajkovic | Astana Pro Team | + 1'34 | | | 5 | Maxime Monfort | BMC Racing Team | + 1'44 | | | 6 | Ignatas Konovalovas | Movistar Team | + 1'46 | | | 7 | Stef Clement | Rabobank Cycling Team | + 2'01 | | | 8 | Jesus Herrada | Movistar Team | + 2'09 | | | 9 | Jos Van Emden | Rabobank Cycling Team | + 2'14 | | | 10 | Rein Taaramae | Cofidis, Le Crédit en Ligne | + 2'24 | |
GC
| 1 | Tony Martin | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | 14h27'41 | | | 2 | Janez Brajkovic | Astana Pro Team | + 28 | | | 3 | Eric Lombaerts | Lotto-Belisol | + 36 | IanButler | | 4 | Maxime Monfort | BMC Racing Team | + 1'11 | | | 5 | Chris Anker Sørensen | Team Saxo Bank | + 2'19 | | | 6 | Arnold Jeannesson | Cofidis, Le Crédit en Ligne | + 3'10 | | | 7 | Branislau Samoilau | Movistar Team | + 3'28 | | | 8 | Daniel Martin | Garmin - SplitSe | + 3'40 | | | 9 | Mathias Frank | BMC Racing Team | + 4'34 | | | 10 | Luis León Sánchez | Katusha Team | + 4'36 | |
Well, this is hopeful to me. I'm not in the greatest shape and only a minute away from Martin. But I'll have to train hard to beat him at the World Championship.
I'm in an excellent position for this Dauphinée. Martin will be no match for me in the final two mountain stages, so I just have to shake Brajkovic. Maybe I can win this thing, if I play it right. |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 18-09-2012 14:05
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Critérium du Dauphinée - Stage 6
A sprint. Strong Sagan takes his second.
Result
| 1 | Peter Sagan | Liquigas-Cannondale | 3h52'05 | | 2 | Davide Appollonio | FDJ-BigMat | s.t. | | 3 | Arnaud Démare | FDJ-BigMat | s.t. | | 4 | Gerald Ciolek | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | s.t. | | 5 | Jimmy Casper | Euskaltel Euskadi | s.t. | | 6 | Christopher Sutton | Sky Pro Cycling | s.t. | | 7 | Michael Matthews | Rabobank Cycling Team | s.t. | | 8 | Juan José Haedo | Orica-GreenEDGE | s.t. | | 9 | Greg Van Avermaet | BMC Racing Team | s.t. | | 10 | Stéphane Poulhies | Saur - Sojasun | s.t. |
Points
| 1 | Peter Sagan | Liquigas-Cannondale | 65 | | 2 | Janez Brajkovic | Astana Pro Team | 48 | | 3 | Tony Martin | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | 47 | | 4 | Jimmy Casper | Euskaltel Euskadi | 41 | | 5 | Gerald Ciolek | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | 39 |
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| JuanMotr |
Posted on 18-09-2012 14:05
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Domestique
Posts: 679
Joined: 29-07-2011
PCM$: 200.00
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are you kidding me!? i come back from school and eric is riding dauphine and stin is dead?? i personally more liked stijn but shit happens... i wish a good luck for eric and get well |
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| Abelbaba |
Posted on 18-09-2012 14:07
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Domestique
Posts: 529
Joined: 13-12-2011
PCM$: 200.00
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looking good in the ITT, hope you can beat martrin at the worlds |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 18-09-2012 14:07
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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@JuanMotr: Thanks, hopefully you'll still enjoy the story without Stijn
And otherwise: maybe the next story is one from beyond the grave
@Abelbaba: I hope so, too, thanks
Edited by Ian Butler on 18-09-2012 14:08
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 23-10-2026 20:54
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Bot Agent
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| sutty68 |
Posted on 18-09-2012 14:11
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 33999
Joined: 22-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Great time trial from Eric and now he finds himself in the podium places, very nice |
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| FreitasPCM |
Posted on 18-09-2012 14:12
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7784
Joined: 08-09-2009
PCM$: 200.00
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A bit shocking measure, to be honest, but hopefully the story can keep its greatness without Stijn. |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 18-09-2012 14:46
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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@sutty68: Thanks, he's riding a good Dauphinée
@FreitasPCM: Well, I like to shock the audience once in a while I hope so, too! |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 18-09-2012 14:53
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Schedule Update
De Gendt is injured, so I will take my chances at the NC TT. My form may not be perfect for the race, but without De Gendt I have a big shot at the title!
Critérium du Dauphinée - Stage 7
This is one hell of a stage. I have two goals, and both of them are above me in the General Classification.
I decide to go early and attack as soon as the final climb starts.
It was going good, as the peloton didn't seem to get organized.
But I had overestimated my form and it was getting very tough.
The last part of the climb was monstrous, with percentages up to 18% and more!
Martin flew past me, what a mental blow.
He took the win right from under me. What a bummer!
I somehow managed to keep off Brajkovic and come in second. Too bad, my wins this season: 0.
Result
| 1 | Daniel Martin | Garmin - SplitSe | 4h56'00 | | | 2 | Eric Lombaerts | Lotto-Belisol | + 1'05 | IanButler | | 3 | Janez Brajkovic | Astana Pro Team | + 1'24 | | | 4 | Arnold Jeannesson | Cofidis, Le Crédit en Ligne | + 1'34 | | | 5 | Damiano Caruso | Liquigas-Cannondale | + 1'51 | | | 6 | Chris Anker Sørensen | Team Saxo Bank | + 2'02 | | | 7 | Maxime Monfort | BMC Racing Team | s.t. | | | 8 | Tony Martin | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | + 2'41 | | | 9 | Peter Stetina | Garmin - SplitSe | + 3'35 | | | 10 | Branislau Samoilau | Movistar Team | + 3'46 | |
GC
| 1 | Eric Lombaerts | Lotto-Belisol | 23h17'27 | IanButler | | 2 | Janez Brajkovic | Astana Pro Team | + 11 | | | 3 | Tony Martin | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | + 1'00 | | | 4 | Maxime Monfort | BMC Racing Team | + 1'32 | | | 5 | Daniel Martin | Garmin - SplitSe | + 1'59 | | | 6 | Chris Anker Sørensen | Team Saxo Bank | + 2'40 | | | 7 | Arnold Jeannesson | Cofidis, Le Crédit en Ligne | + 3'03 | | | 8 | Damiano Caruso | Liquigas-Cannondale | + 4'52 | | | 9 | Branislau Samoilau | Movistar Team | + 5'33 | | | 10 | Peter Stetina | Garmin - SplitSe | + 6'36 | |
This is good, this is very good! With one more stage left, I'm leading. Let's hope for an off-day for Brajkovic tomorrow! |
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| roturn |
Posted on 18-09-2012 14:55
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Team Manager
Posts: 22179
Joined: 24-11-2007
PCM$: 3900.00
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Now you lead the Dauphinee. 
Great attack. A pity that you couldn`t win as well. |
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| banyai2000 |
Posted on 18-09-2012 14:59
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Free Agent
Posts: 140
Joined: 26-09-2011
PCM$: 200.00
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Dani Martin Wins |
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| dev4ever |
Posted on 18-09-2012 15:02
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Small Tour Specialist
Posts: 2276
Joined: 13-03-2011
PCM$: 200.00
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 RIP Van Gent, must the legend go on! |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 18-09-2012 15:47
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Critérium du Dauphinée - Stage 8
Today was another hard day. More so because I had a jersey to defend.
I was out of teammates pretty early, so I decided on a risky tactic. Some riders attacked and I let them go. They'd form small groups and on the only HC climb of the day, I would try to hop from group to group. Attacking is probably the best defense here.
When I reached a fairly strong group of 5, I was 40" in front of Brajkovic.
But he was nearing, so I hopped one last time, to the front of the race: Taaramae.
The final 2km were hellish.
But this time I had divided my strength better. My first of the season, this one's for Stijn!
Wow, almost a year after my latest significant performance (10th in TDF), I win the Dauphinée. This is probably my biggest victory yet in my career. Of course, the field wasn't like usual, but I still beat the two Martins and Brajkovic, that's something!
Result
| 1 | Eric Lombaerts | Lotto-Belisol | 5h38'04 | IanButler | | 2 | Daniel Martin | Garmin - SplitSe | + 40 | | | 3 | Rein Taaramae | Cofidis, Le Crédit en Ligne | + 50 | | | 4 | Peter Stetina | Garmin - SplitSe | + 1'03 | | | 5 | Juan José Cobo Acebo | Movistar Team | s.t. | | | 6 | Janez Brajkovic | Astana Pro Team | s.t. | | | 7 | Chris Anker Sørensen | Team Saxo Bank | s.t. | | | 8 | Damiano Caruso | Liquigas-Cannondale | s.t. | | | 9 | Thomas Rohregger | Radioshack Nissan Trek | s.t. | | | 10 | Branislau Samoilau | Movistar Team | s.t. | |
GC
| 1 | Eric Lombaerts | Lotto-Belisol | 28h55'31 | IanButler | | 2 | Janez Brajkovic | Astana Pro Team | + 1'14 | | | 3 | Tony Martin | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | + 2'28 | | | 4 | Daniel Martin | Garmin - SplitSe | + 2'39 | | | 5 | Maxime Monfort | BMC Racing Team | + 3'13 | | | 6 | Chris Anker Sørensen | Team Saxo Bank | + 3'43 | | | 7 | Arnold Jeannesson | Cofidis, Le Crédit en Ligne | + 4'31 | | | 8 | Damiano Caruso | Liquigas-Cannondale | + 5'55 | | | 9 | Branislau Samoilau | Movistar Team | + 6'36 | | | 10 | Peter Stetina | Garmin - SplitSe | + 7'39 | |
Points
| 1 | Eric Lombaerts | Lotto-Belisol | 74 | IanButler | | 2 | Janez Brajkovic | Astana Pro Team | 73 | | | 3 | Peter Sagan | Liquigas-Cannondale | 65 | | | 4 | Tony Martin | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | 60 | | | 5 | Daniel Martin | Garmin - SplitSe | 50 | |
KoM
| 1 | Daniel Martin | Garmin - SplitSe | 51 | | | 2 | Eric Lombaerts | Lotto-Belisol | 50 | IanButler | | 3 | Fabrice Jeandesboz | Saur - Sojasun | 49 | | | 4 | Chris Anker Sørensen | Team Saxo Bank | 47 | |
What a pleasant surprise, that Points Jersey! I can look back on this race, feeling satisfied. I'm definitely improving and one day I'll be ready to win an even bigger race: a GT!
PS A nice little trivia: I took all jerseys except the one I took last year (KoM).
Edited by Ian Butler on 18-09-2012 15:50
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| dienblad |
Posted on 18-09-2012 15:53
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3709
Joined: 10-09-2010
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Nice aggressive riding, totally earning the GC-win!
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 18-09-2012 16:10
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Thanks! And I've got to say, it feels much better on a harder difficulty, feels like I really earned it |
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| banyai2000 |
Posted on 18-09-2012 16:12
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Free Agent
Posts: 140
Joined: 26-09-2011
PCM$: 200.00
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Dani Martin animals do not? |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 18-09-2012 16:13
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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News Update
Tomorrow is the National Championship Time Trialing.
I'm ready for it, I hope to grab my first National Title!
Jurgen Van Den Broeck proves that he's ready for the Tour. He took a stage win in Tour of Suisse and 3rd place overall.
| 1 | Peter Velits | Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Cycling Team | 35h51'40 | | | 2 | Vincenzo Nibali | Liquigas-Cannondale | + 1'11 | | | 3 | Jurgen Van den Broeck | Lotto-Belisol | + 1'17 | IanButler | | 4 | Alberto Contador | Team Saxo Bank | + 3'49 | | | 5 | Tiago Machado | Radioshack Nissan Trek | + 3'51 | | | 6 | Jérôme Coppel | Euskaltel Euskadi | + 4'34 | | | 7 | Pierre Rolland | Liquigas-Cannondale | + 4'35 | | | 8 | Chris Froome | Movistar Team | + 6'02 | | | 9 | Roman Kreuziger | Astana Pro Team | + 6'45 | | | 10 | Rémi Pauriol | Ag2r La Mondiale | + 8'20 | |
Jurgen Roelandts shows that his form is excellent for the coming National Championship by winning Halle - Ingooigem.
| 1 | Jürgen Roelandts | Lotto-Belisol | 4h42'15 | IanButler | | 2 | Jens Keukeleire | Lotto-Belisol | + 33 | IanButler | | 3 | Damien Gaudin | Team Europcar | s.t. | | | 4 | Pablo Esteve | Rabobank Cycling Team | + 56 | | | 5 | Tom Leezer | Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team | s.t. | | | 6 | Jeremy Hunt | Sky Pro Cycling | s.t. | | | 7 | Wim De Vocht | Radioshack Nissan Trek | s.t. | | | 8 | Ricky Enø Jorgensen | Team Saxo Bank | s.t. | | | 9 | Mathieu Ladagnous | Cofidis, Le Crédit en Ligne | + 1'41 | | | 10 | Wouter Mol | Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team | s.t. | |
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