Despite four straight tough stages, the pack got off to a quick start in Friday’s ride — notably chasing after 20 breakaway riders — and the pace accelerated in the second and third hours of racing.
Huge crowds lined bumpy roads in the early going along vast sunflower fields, some waving American flags or signs of goodwill toward Armstrong, who has endeared himself to many French fans this year with his unlikely comeback.
Two remaining breakaway riders were caught with just 1.2km to go and the main pack split, with Cavendish, Armstrong and other sprinters in a 12-man front bunch.
The American thus trimmed four seconds off his deficit to Contador, but more importantly gave himself that much more breathing room in front of his immediate pursuers.
“Tomorrow is the big day, but that’s what made the ride today hard, because already we’re a bit into the stage [mentally],” Andy Schleck said. “Tomorrow, it’s the legs that will do the talking.”
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