[27.08 16:44] In spite of a crash during today’s second half stage, Team Saxo Bank succeeded to defend Gustav Larsson’s leader’s jersey which he captured on today’s first half stage as he won the 22.6 kilometer long time trial with a margin of 25 seconds in front of David le Lay (Agritubel).

On the 98 kilometer stage Team Saxo Bank were well ahead of things and kept the breakaway on a short leash. Although there were several counter attacks on the last kilometers of the stage there were only minor gaps in the peloton, as Thor Hushovd (Cervelo) slipped away and crossed the line as today’s stage winner.

Gustav Larsson had the misfortune of becoming involved in a crash. But since he crashed within the last three kilometers of the stage, he could, despite the pain breathe a sigh of relief with the thought of starting tomorrow’s last stage wearing the yellow jersey.

“It was not excactly the finish I had hoped for but I hit the asphalt in the very last turn of the stage when some other rider took me down at high speed. It is actually a very difficult race to control as many amateurs want to show off. But we have a strong team and I believe we can defend the lead all the way now”, said Swedish Gustav Larsson after the stage.

“Gustav did what he does best and he really had that extra punch to take the stage and the jersey. On the second stage today the guys were working really hard to defend our position and they were actually enjoying it. Unfortunately, some inexperienced riders were paying no respect to the jersey and they put Gustav in a position in a nasty turn where a crash was unavoidable. He lost some skin and will be a little stiff and sore tomorrow but we are ready to take the overall victory tomorrow”, said Bradley McGee after the stage.