Tour de France, Stage 3: Philipsen Wins, Yates Keeps Yellow Jersey

After two stages in the Basque Country, the Tour de France makes its appearance in mainland France. A flat first stage, an opportunity for sprinters to showcase themselves.

After a completely crazy stage won by the Frenchman Victor Lafay, the peloton arrives in France for a finale in Bayonne. A calm stage was expected after two days where few calm moments occurred during the race. 

Powless does not give up his polka dot jersey   

Like the first two days, American Neilson Powless remains in front, accompanied by a French rider from the Arkéa team, Laurent Pichon. The breakaway was quickly formed, unlike yesterday. The two riders did not contest the climbs; the Frenchman very logically allowed his breakaway companion to take points at the top of the four climbs today.  

Lafay does not want to give up the green jersey 

A few kilometers before the intermediate sprint, the green jersey Victor Lafay left the peloton to collect 14 more points. Pedersen won the sprint of the peloton. The French rider quickly stopped his effort and was caught by the peloton. Lafay needed to be in the top 15 of the stage to keep his green jersey today. 

Between the intermediate sprint and the 10 km mark, not much happened. Neilson Powless left Laurent Pichon alone in front. 

First mass sprint finish 

There was a lot of tension in the last 30 kilometers of the stage. No crashes were reported. A peloton led by sprinter teams, including Jumbo-Visma for Wout Van Aert and Christophe Laporte, Quick-Step, Wanty, and others. 

In a winding final with many roundabouts, Quick-Step led the peloton, especially Jakobsen. 

Philipsen won the sprint after being perfectly led out by Van Der Poel. 

Victor Lafay retains his green jersey. 

Also read: Tour de France Guide: the composition of the last 6 teams, including Jumbo Visma’s team