It is then Vandenbroucke who tries his luck. The Belgian is strong on the flat part of the route, so he attacks, powerfully, and gains a 25 second lead. But at the foot of the col des portes the pack catch up with him. The pace speeds up and the pack is stretched by the Phonak team . However, Vandenbroucke isn't intimidated, and on the slopes of this first ascension, he launches a new breakaway attack. At the summit, he is even 20 seconds ahead of his pursuers, led by Pineau and Cardoso.

In the descent, Perez, followed by 13 other riders, of which Chavanel, leave the ranks of the pack to follow Vandenbroucke. And once again the Belgian cyclist is joined by the pack. They are now fifteen at the head of the pack, well organised, and determined to widen the gap. Quickly, the gap does widen to 35 seconds. But at the head of the pack, the Telekom riders are vigilant.

At the first bonus sprint, at kilometre 29,5, Trenti takes the lead ahead of Chavanel and Kristensen. But the pack is only 25 seconds behind.

Vandenbroucke yet again
After this sprint, Vandenbroucke launches another attack, followed by Perez . The two men break away. And at the refreshment point, at kilometre 77,5, the two riders are even 3 minutes 50 seconds ahead of the pack, still headed by the Telekom riders and the young Pineau.

But inexorably, the gap is reduced. 3 minutes, then 2 minutes 30, then 50 seconds at the foot of the côte du Bausset. Among those on form at the head of the pack, Moos, Cardoso, Casar and Vinokourov survey one another to know when to launch an attack that will at last win the race. It is Moos who launches the attack but he is rejoined by Brochard and Casar in the col du corps de garde. Behind them, Vinokourov lies in wait, 25 seconds further back, in the pack headed by Bölts.

Vinokourov makes an ultimate effort
As soon as they arrive at the foot of the Mont Faron, Brochard tries to break away on his own. For a while it is believed that he can win the race. But, 2km from the finish, Vinokourov reveals his hand and doubles Brochard 1500 metres from the finishing line. Behind him, the pack explodes. Vinoukourov wins, his arms raised in triumph, as though to reach out towards his deceased friend, Andreï Kivilev.

How were you feeling this morning at the start ?
   Lots of riders were telling me that I could win today. It's true that it was a good stage and I felt on form. And I was thinking about Andreï Kivilev a lot. I wanted to offer him a great victory on a great stage. I believe he really helped me and I was thinking about him during the entire race.

You seemed very moved on crossing the finishing line…
    Yes. I was thinking about Andreï, his wife Natalia and his son Léonard. I wanted to share this moment with them, like all the good times we have already shared in the past.

And winning the race ?
    I will do everything possible to win the yellow jersey. For Andreï and his family. And it's true that my opponents were struggling a bit today. So why not a double win in two days ?