In the 4th Stage, the Team Time Trial, Lampre-NGC’s performance could have been good if it wasn’t for two crashes along the 39km route. Ballan fell in a left bend and Loosli hit the ground too. They both went on in the race, Ballan after having changed the bike, but at 25 km to the arrival Furlan slipped on the asphalt and rolled for 100 meters before being hit by Bruseghin, who hit the ground. They changed bikes and, while Bruseghin recovered the other team mates, Furlan reached lonely the arrival. Lampre-NGC finished 17th, at 3’24" to the winner team Astana.
"Considering that we had to face two crashes, three change of bikes and Bruseghin in not perfect fit because of last days accidents, I think that all caused a loss of 2′ – sport director Fabrizio Bontempi commented – Our performance could be very good and we have could obtained the 7th or the 8th place".
Doctor Beltemacchi described his riders’ conditions: "Ballan has grazes on his left side, especially on the elbow and on the hip, while Loosli didn’t suffer wounds. Furlan has many grazes on the back, both elbows and on the left knee. Luckily today Bruseghin was safe from injuries. Ballan and Furlan will be at the departure of the 5th stage".
