Yesterday’s stage had something of the calm before the storm about it. A relatively flat run in to Arenzano, it was one for the sprinters and the overall contenders were keeping their powder dry for today’s time trial. Once again, Columbia were in the driving seat at the business end of the stage, attempting to prime another win for Mark Cavendish. Once again, Petacchi rode on Cavendish’s wheel. Yet for the second sprint stage running, Petacchi was muscled off this prime spot, first by Quick Step’s Allan Davis and then by the Americna Tyler Farrar. To me it looks like Petacchi’s rivals have realised that he isn’t the most assertive rider in the bunch. With his LPR team devoted to protecting race leader Danilo Di Luca, he may not get much in the way of help.

Meanwhile today’s stage is probably one of the most hotly anticipated time trials in recent years. 60 kilometres in length, with two significant climbs and lots of twisting road, it’s anybody’s guess what could happen. American Levi Leipheimer is the favourite, but given the nature of the course, the results could spring some surprises.