What should have been another quiet transitional stage for the overall contenders turned into mass panic as the Astana team decided to attack on a flat section of the course which was open to sever cross-winds. The major casualty of the day was Christophe Moreau of AG2R who got caught in the 2nd peloton. he had earlier crashed. Despite the attacks the overall standings remain the same.

Denis crossed the line in 55th place and remains 18th overall at 7′ 10″.