In a Giro full of suprises, Alexandre Géniez never imagined that he would continue his rise in the overall classification on a stage reserved for sprinters. However, the result of a big crash that split the peloton 3.2 kilometers from the finish and set Alberto Contador and Rchie Porte back, saw the FDJ leader getting closer to the top 15.

The stage was completely flat but took place in the rain and, in the end, on winding roads with numerous roundabouts. After an attempt to join the breakaway from Arnaud Courteille, three riders got clear an they were caught with 20km to go.

In this sometimes acrobatic approach, the peloton was nervous and the crash that occurred 3200 meters from the finish line seemed almost inevitable. Cédric Pineau escorting the leader, almost went down but managed to avoid the tumble.  Geniez stayed in front of the split. 30 riders reached the finish line in the wake of Modolo (Lampre-Merida). Geniez gained 40 seconds on Contador and 2'07'' on Porte who is now behind the Frenchman in the standings. Geniez is 16th on the eve of the long time trial.

"We have always had the goal of a Top 10 (Geniez is 1'30" off that mark) and we will continue to take it day byday," sports director Frédéric Guesdon said. "Anything can happen very quickly but the time trial is well suited to Alexandre who likes this discipline. The first 30 kilometers are straight and flat, the second part offers two ascents including a 2km climb that requires the small chainring. Tomorrow night, riders in front of our leader may have lost some time."

Then the program continues with two very important mountain stages on Sunday in Madonna di Campiglio and Tuesday in Aprica. Before these three crucial stage, the FDJ team is serene.

"All riders are motivated and again they worked well to prevent their leader from getting caught out. Now the legs have to do the talking but I see that Alexandre is really good."