This was a 187.1km stage with just one climb from Murcia to Orihuela and it was Dominik Roels (Milram), Martin Pedersen (Footon-Servetto), Vladimir Isaichev, (Xacobeo Galicia) and Jorge Montenegro (Andalucia Cajasur) who broke away.
Their lead of over nine minutes was down to thirty seconds with just over 8km to go as the peleton moved to get their sprinters in pole position for another fast finish.
With 5km left, the four breakaways shook hands and it was all over. HTC Colombia set the pace, followed by Lampre taking their turn at the front.
Mark Cavendish (pictured below) crept up but could not get to the front as he was blocked by Alessandro Petacchi who moved from left to right cross his line to win the stage. JJ Haedo was third.
Phillippe Gilbert was in the top ten and keeps his red jersey.
Tomorrow's eighth stage is from Villena to Xorret Del Cali.
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Kenny van Hummel extends Skil-Shimano deal
Skil-Shimano has renewed Kenny van Hummel's contract for a further twelve months. The Dutch sprinter won two races this season, the first stage of the Tour de Picardie and the second stage of the Tour of Belgium. Van Hummel also claimed high finishes in the Tour of Turkey, the Driedaagse van de Panne, the Dutch Food Classic Veenendaal and the Eneco Tour. The 27-year-old is happy to extend his stay at Skil-Shimano. 'This team's stability and the great, detailed attention given to rider guidance, with a constant focus on improvement, appeal to me. The team also has ambitions and it is a great challenge to be able to play a part in that.'
For more information on the Skil-Shimano team, visit www.skilcyclingteam.com
Picture copyright of Covsupport News Service. Credit CNS/KM