Reynders and Stybar however were the last to be caught with 12 kilometers to go as the pace increased in the peloton. The run-up to the climb was very fast and attacks began at the bottom, including from stage favourite Oscar Onley.
A tactic that would prove costly later on however. Dries de Bondt, the race leader, was also dropped in the tough slopes of the 3-kilometer long ascents, whilst the likes of Frederik Wandahl and Esteban Chaves tried to make the difference.
Milan Vader then hit the front of the group with less than a kilometer to go and pulled away. It was a searing pace from the Dutchman who, after recovering from life-threatening injuries, has ridden to his first pro win and also the race lead. Cofidis'
Rémy Rochas rode to second behind a close chaser whilst
Hugh Carthy led the first main chasing group 8 seconds down.