Tour de Suisse 2017: Stage win and leaders jersey Michael Matthews

The 3rd stage of the Tour de Suisse is perfect for fast finishers with climbing legs. An uphill dig to the line does not bother Michael Matthews and he sprints to victory and the leaders jersey. Peter Sagan comes in second, John Degenkolb in third. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 3rd stage 2017 Tour de Suisse

1. Michael Matthews (aus)
2. Peter Sagan (svk) s.t.
3. John Degenkolb (ger) s.t.
4. Tim Wellens (bel) s.t.
5. Michael Albasini (swi) s.t.
6. Patrick Bevin (nzl) s.t.
7. Arthur Vichot (fra) s.t.
8. Matteo Trentin (ita) s.t.
9. Jan Bakelants (bel) s.t.
10. Damiano Caruso (ita) s.t.

39. Stefan Küng (swi) +0.19
51. Miguel Ángel López (col) + 0.26
52. Carlos Betancur (col) s.t.

GC after 3rd stage
1. Michael Matthews (aus)
2. Tom Dumoulin (nld) + 0.10
3. Peter Sagan (svk) + 0.11
4. Damiano Caruso (ita) + 0.19
5. Michael Albasini (swi) + 0.20
6. Patrick Bevin (nzl) + 0.22
7. Matteo Trentin (ita) + 0.23
8. John Degenkolb (ger) + 0.24
9. Ion Izagirre (spa) + 0.25
10. Marc Soler (spa) s.t.

18. Rui Costa (por) + 0.29
25. Steven Kruijswijk (nld) + 0.32
26. Domenico Pozzovivo (ita) + 0.33
29. Simon Spilak (slo) + + 0.37
39. Carlos Betancur (col) + 0.55
45. Miguel Ángel López (col) + 1.11

Race report
Once the flag is dropped KOM-king Lasse Norman Hansen and Elmar Reinders go on the attack. They race to a lead of more than 8 minutes, while Hansen cements his KOM-lead in Zetzwil, Ebnet and Gümligen. In the intermediate sprints leader Stefan Küng takes a total time bonus of 2 seconds.

With 25 kms to go the gap falls below 3 minutes and Reinders stops his efforts. Hansen is reeled in with 13 kms remaining.

After twisting and turning through Bern – with even some cobbles along the way – the final 1.5 kilometres bring a hectic uphill run-in to the line. With Nikias Arndt as a lead-out Michael Matthews finds himself in prime position for the final kick. Even Peter Sagan can not cope and the Australian powers to victory and the leaders jersey. Because Stefan Küng finishes behind a split in the peloton Tom Dumoulin now sits in second overall.