The word was that the attacks would come thick and fast. Here Frank Pipp attacks early...

As Pipp is caught, Craig Lewis drives the front of the train for Columbia HTC.

Astana was also aggressive today...

As was Lars Bak for Saxo Bank.

The peloton heads up the second climb of the circuit... Dave Zebreski focused on staying in yellow.

Eventually 5 got up the road; 3 Saxo men made this a dangerous move.

Rast working hard during their escape...

Cervelo came to the front to help Garmin with the chase...

The peloton threads through Amen Corner...

They stayed away for almost an hour, here Sorensen rotates off the front.

As the break was caught, Michael Barry and Jason McCartney kept the pressure on.

...but they were also soon reeled in.

On the back of the course, Hincapie made his final attack for Columbia, but he also failed to stay away.

It came down to a bunch sprint with Martin Gilbert of Planet Energy taking the win over Pinfold of Ouch and Thor Hushovd.

Martin enjoys the view from the top step - the biggest win of his career.

Saxo Bank took team honors.

Dave Zabreski retained the overall lead, his first multi stage race win!