Christian Vande Velde, Circuit Cycliste Sarthe final podium Despite valiant efforts from all the boys today, Christian Vande Velde (left on final podium) couldn’t manage to steal back the time–just four little seconds–he needed to take the yellow jersey in the final stage of the 2008 Circuit Cycliste Sarthe.

Kilian Patour, Circuit Cycliste Sarthe stage 5 The Argyle Armada was well-represented from the gun with Kilian Patour (right) joining the days long-winded break. He, along with six other cyclists, averaged about 42 kph and pushed the gap up to as much as 2′45″ over the course of more than 160 km. Kilian was competitive within the break and won at least two of the intermediate bonus sprints.

Christian Vande Velde, Circuit Cycliste Sarthe stage 5 The break was caught right after the race hit the tough four-lap finishing circuit with a 300-meter, 18% wall called the Côte Gazonfier. Here Christian (left) managed to keep a close eye on the yellow jersey as Thomas Voeckler fought for his win to the very end.

Slipstream stage 5 results
1. Ariel Maximiliano Richeze 4:28′24″

12. Christian Vande Velde mt
36. Chris Sutton +21″
47. Pat McCarty +50″
53. Dan Martin +50″
59. Kilian Patour +4′31″
DNF Julian Dean

Slipstream final GC
1. Thomas Voeckler 16:29′33″

2. Christian Vande Velde +4″
60. Kilian Patour +5′23″
68. Dan Martin +8′19″
69. Chris Sutton +11′13″
70. Pat McCarty +15′54″
DNF Julian Dean