Fabian Cancellara will ride in the third stage on Monday wearing the Yellow Jersey. On Sunday he earned the right to pull on the shirt for the 11th time in his career.

Among his Swiss countrymen, only Ferdi Kübler has worn it longer (12 times).

Cancellara's team, Saxo Bank, maintained constant control of the situation during Sunday's stage, with Frenchmen Stéphane Augé and Cyril Dessel as well as Finn Jussi Veikkanen and the Netherland's Stef Clement racing ahead after just a few kilometres.

The breakaway group took a five-and-half minute lead at its maximum, although they always remained within striking distance of the field.

Roughly 40 km from the finish Cancellara's team received support from the Columbia Team, which bridged the gap in front of the field for its sprinter star Mark Cavendish, who ultimately won the stage.

The breakaway group was reeled back in some 10 km before the finish.