American Van Garderen pulled out because of sickness with the day 's laurels going to German Simon Geschke after a brave solo raid .
American Van Garderen was third overall at the start of the 161km trek from Digne les Bains .
American Van Garderen , who was third overall at the start of the 161km trek from Digne les Bains , pulled out because of sickness with the day 's laurels going to German Simon Geschke after a brave solo raid .