Francisco Mancebo (yellow jersey and race leader) wanted to be sure not to lose any precious seconds to any rivals by making his team to work for him. Ian Burnett (#117; realCyclist.com; USA), Tommy Nankervis (#112; Realcyclist.com; AUS) and Yosvany Falcon (#116; Realcyclist.com; USA) were on a mission to protect their leader.