David Millar (Garmin-Transititions) is in the top ten.(Image credit: Hedwig Kröner)
Laurent Mangel (Fra) Saur - Sojasun led the mountains competition going into the stage(Image credit: Hedwig Kröner)
Only 157K to go for the peloton(Image credit: Hedwig Kröner)
A Radioshack rider begins the 157K stage(Image credit: Hedwig Kröner)
Riders line up for the start and the sun is out(Image credit: Hedwig Kröner)
A bright sunny morning greeted the riders in Provencal Pernes-Les-Fontaines. Temperatures were still cold, but the atmosphere on the plane tree roads of the small town suggested a hint of spring on the road to Nice for the riders, who were thankful for the improving weather conditions.
The start of stage five to Aix-en-Provence was given right across from the cycling-friendly town's 'musée du cycle', where people sat outside on the terrace for a cup of coffee in the sun.
Looming on the horizon was the famous Mont Ventoux, but the Paris-Nice peloton turned southwards toward the regional park of Lubéron after the start.
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