May 15, 2004 – Saeco won the stage, and took the pink jersey today, but it wasn't Gilberto Simoni: it was his upstart team-mate Damiano Cunego. Cunego took the win over Brad McGee (FDJ.com) and Franco Pellizotti (Alessio-Bianchi). Photos later today from Cor Vos.

Results:
1. Damiano Cunego (Ita) Saeco 5.26.25 (39.336 km/h)
2. Bradley McGee (Aus) FDJeux.com
3. Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Alessio-Bianchi
4. Giuliano Figueras (Ita) Ceramiche Panaria-Margres
5. Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Vini Caldirola-Nobili Rubinetterie 0.03
6. Gilberto Simoni (Ita) Saeco
7. Serguei Gontchar (Ukr) De Nardi
8. Andrea Noe' (Ita) Alessio-Bianchi
9. Wladimir Belli (Ita) Lampre
10. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Landbouwkrediet-Colnago