Aigurande – Super-Besse (195.5 km) Click for route map
The ride through the Auvergne today gave us some stunning scenery with views of the landscape of extinct volcanoes, including the famous Puy de Dome.
We passed this way last year, staying at Riom in one direction and Issoire on the return journey. I would like to spend longer exploring this fascinating landscape and to go up Puy de Dome. The television coverage showed the tour passing the Chateau de Murol, perched on a rocky outcrop high above the valley.
The hill top finish views from the resort centre of Super Besse were breathtaking.
RESULTS (British riders in italics)
STAGE WINNER – Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval – Scott)
2nd Alejandro Valverde – 3rd Cadel Evans
YELLOW (individual) – Kim Kirchen (Team Columbia)
2nd Cadel Evans – 3rd Stefan Schumacher
GREEN (points) – Kim Kirchen (Team Columbia)
2nd Thor Hushovd – 3rd Oscar Freire
8th Mark Cavendish
POLKA DOT (climber) – Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis)
2nd Thomas Voeckler – 3rd Riccardo Riccò
WHITE (under 25) – Thomas Lövkvist (Team Columbia)
2nd Maxime Monfort – 3rd Andy Schleck
COMBATIVE – Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis)
LEADING TEAM – Garmin Chipotle
9th Barloworld
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