The breakaway was caught up very rapidly in the beginning of the last climb (which had been climbed already once earlier in the stage). I think it was already UAE pulling the peloton fast.

Then Vine🇦🇺 attacked. A few riders tried to fight back a bit, but they were dropped by Narvaez🇪🇨 who jumped to help Vine🇦🇺. He joined his teammate all right, however he never managed to help Vine🇦🇺, as he struggled to stay in the wheel for miles and miles. Only in the last km of the stage, could he pass ahead for a few hundred metres downhill...

They were about 20 seconds ahead on top of the official climb, but the road was still going up for several miles after this 'top', and they (well, Vine🇦🇺) slowly increased the gap up to about 45 seconds (that's why Narvaez🇪🇨 could never catch his breath). Then it was 1 minute at arrival in favour of the two UAE riders, over a group of 8 that Yates🇬🇧 didn't manage to dominate; Yates🇬🇧 had chased counter-attacks earlier (Sweeny (🇦🇺 EF), Brenner (🇩🇪 Tudor) and a 3^rd^ one were active if I recall correctly), but the final km was really strange, mostly downhill, with long curves: it would have been very dangerous if a large group had come for a sprint. That group of 8 seemed to collaborate well, only Yates was naturally staying at the back; he would not disorganise the group, he was even often pushing other riders back in the line 😀

The whole FDJ team had disappeared as soon as there was an acceleration in the climb. Martin🇫🇷 finished after the 50^th^ place, 2′17″ behind the winners; so much for the 6 seconds won yesterday... Donnenwirth🇫🇷 was a few places ahead, but in the same group (group 5). They had come in Australia one week before the race to acclimate and to reconnoitre the stages. Well, next time they can start riding when they step out of the plane and save hotel fees, the result will be the same.

Decathlon didn't do much better, as only Prodhomme🇫🇷 was present in group 3 (at 1′10″).

The fate of GC seems decided, as there are usually very few differences made on this race.

Other than the French losers, riders like Buitrago (🇨🇴 Bahrain) and Velasco (🇮🇹 Astana) finished in group 4 and 5, respectively.