Alexandre Géniez remembered his disappointment of the previous day when he managed to save a delicate situation after being trapped in the second part of the peloton more than 50 kilometers from the finish. Thus, after a breakaway of Kenny Elissonde, the leader of the FDJ team attacked in the finale of the twelfth stage of the Giro d'Italia which was won by Philippe Gilbert (BMC) and his action made a strong selection in the bunch.

"Time flies and since Friday's flat stage is reserved for sprinters, Saturday is a time trial and we have a summit finish on Sunday, I suggested to my riders not to miss the right breakaway," sports director Martial Gayant said.

It took a long time for the break to form, more than 60 kilometers after a first hour covered at 52km/h. Cédric Pineau tried a lot but it was all in vain. Kenny Elissonde was in front without really wanting to be there.

"They were five, not enough," said Gayant.." When the gap was 2'15 '', Orica-GreenEdge, Movistar and Etixx-Quick Step started the chase. It was already doomed."

With Elissonde back in the fold, Geniez waited a bit before going on the attack. After a difficult climb with a passage of 17%, where he was well supported by Francis Mourey and Kevin Reza, the FDJ leader attacked at the beginning of a winding and tricky descent that was marked by several crash. Not comfortable on a very slippery surface, Geniez nearly went down four times but when he reached the bottom, his fast pace had reduced the peloton to 30 riders.

"In the end he felt a little tired and on the final climb of Monte Berico the group split into three," Gayant said. "Alexandre finished 11 seconds behind Philippe Gilbert but the important thing was to be with the best. He is still 19th in the overall but he has started to gain time on riders who are in front of him."