Greg Van Avermaet outsprinted Marco Marcato in the final meters to stay out of the grip of the chasing group and peloton.

The course saw the introduction of a new finale; the construction of a tram line on the Avenue de Grammont in central Tours led to the organisers shortening the finishing straight by 2.4 km.

[3] Among them, Mark Cavendish, fresh off his world road race title in Copenhagen, reigning champion Óscar Freire, 2007 winner Alessandro Petacchi and Romain Feillu were considered favourites.

[7] The early breakaway of the day was soon formed, and composed of seven riders: Rubens Bertogliati (Team Type 1–Sanofi), David Boucher (Omega Pharma–Lotto), Will Clarke (Leopard Trek), Sébastien Delfosse (Landbouwkrediet), Jurgen Van Goolen (Veranda's Willems–Accent), Andreas Klier (Garmin–Cervélo) and Rony Martias (Saur–Sojasun).

[9] The lead grew to around two minutes before HTC-Highroad began the chase to set up a sprint finish, but the breakaway riders were able to cooperate and keep the peloton at bay.