After a first week that will be remembered most for horrific crashes and the exit of several overall contenders, the second week of the 2011 Tour de France opened with a shorter stage following the first rest day. The 158 kilometer route between Aurillac and Carmaux ended with a technical run-in to the line that saw Andre Greipel (Omega Pharma Lotto) emerge victorious. The mass finish left the overall unchanged, and Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) sees another day in yellow.

Leopard Trek continues to sit pretty with Fränk Schleck in fourth and Andy Schleck in fifth. Both remain within striking distance of third-placed Cadel Evans (BMC). Voeckler and Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank) occupy the first and second spots on the general classification thanks to their move on Sunday’s stage nine.

Four categorized climbs proved a small challenge to the sprinters who are eager to capitalize on the few winning opportunities they have outside the first week of the Tour. Stage ten marked one of four possibilities for a bunch finish in the next two weeks.

The day played out mostly as expected with a break of six riders going away 14 kilometers from the start. Their gap would never reach more than four minutes and by the mid-point of the stage, the HTC-led field began to slowly bring them back.

When the break reached the final climb, only three riders remained out front. Behind, Omega Pharma-Lotto massed at the front to afford green jersey Philippe Gilbert the opportunity to go for maximum sprint points on the line.

As the peloton blasted past the sole survivor from the break, Gilbert sparked the formation of a dangerous five-rider move that included race leader Voeckler, Tony Martin (HTC-Highroad), Tony Gallopin (Cofidis) and Dries Devenyns (Quick Step). His move caused a split in the field with fifteen kilometers remaining and sent Voigt to the front to reduce the damage.

The five-rider move eluded the field on the descent but was unable to organize to maximize their efforts. They began to attack one another and eventually Gilbert got away alone. Slightly more than five kilometers from the finish, the pack reabsorbed the green jersey. Several small digs came from the field to no avail. A group of more than 80 riders made it the line together.

Racing continues tomorrow. Stage 11 between Blaye-les-Mines and Lavaur marks the half-way point of the Tour and the final prelude to the Pyrenees. With few stages on tap for the sprinters, this short, flat stage will likely turn into a battle royale for the fast men.