David López García of Caisse d'Epargne won the queen stage up to the 2671-metre high Rettenbachferner, while a super strong Jens Voigt (CSC) defended his yellow jersey on a day where many expected Levi Leipheimer to take over the lead. But the American suffered a set back and lost almost a minute to the defending champion.
The stage finished with the Rettenbachferner, an HC ranked climb or glacier that quickly took its toll on the field. As the peloton entered the bottom part of the eight numbered switchbacks, only 20 riders were left, including Levi Leipheimer and Jens Voigt. The lead group got steadily reduced to about 10, when López García attacked and soloed away.
The biggest surprise happened just after the three-kilometre banner, as Levi Leipheimer started to have problems. An inspired Voigt took over the lead of the main chasers and even put Damiano Cunego and Robert Gesink in trouble.
While he couldn't reach the Spaniard in the front, Voigt made his overall situation look more comfortable. He said right after the race that in the end team tactics don't count on a finish like that. "100 team-mates can't help you if you don't have the legs. Fortunately I was feeling very good today. When I heard over the radio that Levi started to have problems I became really inspired."
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