 After points classification leader Gianni Meersman extended his lead at the intermediate sprint for Omega Pharma – Quick @-@ Step , the stage 's breakaway took over an hour to form on the road . A three @-@ rider move built up an advantage of over two minutes , after which Team Europcar took up station on the front of the peloton to get a rider clear . The rider in question was Thomas Voeckler , who managed to catch the original breakaway , and passed them on the road . Voeckler was later joined by seven other riders as they were ascending the Col du Barioz . The best placed rider of the octet was FDJ rider Alexandre Geniez , who trailed the overnight leader of the general classification , Chris Froome ( Team Sky ) , by 3 ' 41 " ; despite this , Froome 's squad kept the gap in check , with the difference not going over three minutes . 
