Leonardo Piepoli (in yellow, foreground) has been tireless in his efforts to help Riccardo Ricco (in the purple points jersey).

The senators talk. World Champion Paolo Bettini confers with race leader Giovanni Visconti (who is still wearing his Italian Road Champion's gloves).

Emanuele Sella (left), Riccardo Ricco (in purple points leader's jersey) and Paolo Bettini (in white with rainbows) tried to get away, but the pack was having none of it. That would be a lot of horsepower to just toodle off down the road.

Bennati and Bettini throw their bikes. At first Bettini thought he had it, but the stage was given to Bennati. I don't know what happened, but High Road rider Mark Cavendish is looking back and is clearly upset at someone.