It was the longest stage of the 'race to the sun' today: 201.5 km between the walled city of Avignon and Digne-les-Bains. The weather was overcast but warmer than it has been, and Spanish rider Joaquin Rodriguez (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) had the best legs today to win the stage. Rodriguez, who won a stage in Paris-Nice three years ago, counter-attacked past Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) on the final climb, the Cat. 1 Col du Corobin, and soloed to the finish with 19 seconds to spare. Posthuma hung on for second ahead of Jérôme Pineau (Bouygues Telecom), who led the yellow jersey group home.
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
