After failing to be among the best for the overall classification in the Pyrenees mountain stages, Popovych won stage 12 by repeatedly attacking his fellow break-away compatriots Alessandro Ballan, Óscar Freire and Christophe Le Mével.
Efter at have misset at være blandt de bedste i det samlede klassement i Pyrenæ-etaperne, vandt Popovytj 12. etape ved at angribe sine udbrudskammerater Alessandro Ballan, Óscar Freire og Christophe Le Mével gentagne gange.