Today's stage at Tirreno-Adriatico linked Fucecchio to Santa Croce sull'Arno over 166 kilometres, with a first 71 km  loop followed by three 25 kilometres circuits, each including a couple of short hills.

Three riders, Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil), William Frischkorn (Garmin) and Yuriy Krivtsov (Ag2r) attacked early and animated the race, having up to 5'30" on the pack.

They were still leading at the beginning of the last 25 km circuits; however, the sprinters' teams reacted, the leaders were reeled in with 10 kilometres to go, and a bunch sprint followed.

Mark Cavendish (Columbia) was a near winner, but he was passed on the line by Tyler Farrar (Garmin). Enrico Rossi (Ita, Flaminia) completed the podium and Robbie finished 5th.

The general classification does not change; Julien El Fares (Cofidis) keeps the leader's jersey.

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