On the Kaperij, the tenth climb, Bak and Gaudin were able to break free from their group. On the second ascent of the Oude Kwaremont, Greipel again unsuccessfully attacked, before the main field reached the breakaway at the top of the climb. On the Koppenberg, Greipel again attacked and an increase in tempo caused Wiggins and other riders to lose contact. At the front, Geraint Thomas () and Stijn Devolder () led the chase to bring back Greipel. Once they reached him, Alexey Lutsenko () was on the attack after the climb, leading at a maximum of half a minute.
