Stage 3 Review
By Phil Liggett


It was only a small time gain, but by the end of stage 4 tomorrow, it may be enough to put Lance Armstrong into the yellow jersey of the Tour de France.
And wouldn't that be something!

The flat route from Marseille to La Grande Motte on the Mediterranean Sea started slowly but finished like an express train as a bunch of about 26 riders got to work and split the field in the famous crosswinds of the far south of France.

Armstrong, and Team Colombia's Michael Rogers, Kim Kirchen and Tony Martin with the big profiteers of the move. It was a move that came about when no one would help the American team chase down the four leading riders as the last 12 miles approached. George Hincapie was so annoyed by what he called "an insult" that he ordered the team to drive into the winds and the result was Tour favourites Alberto Contador, Denis Menchov, Carlos Sastre and Cadel Evans were all blown away.

At one time Colombia was ahead with all nine riders on the team but the hard working Bert Grabsch fell back to the desperate main field after a heavy turn at the front. It was a bonus in a long race of more than 2000 miles and has moved Colombia's Tony Martin into the white rookie jersey and into second overall, and Armstrong into third with his Astana team favourite to win the team time trial around Montpellier tomorrow.

The stage was won by Britain's Mark Cavendish who again launched himself at the finish line and left no one in doubt as to who is the fastest sprinter as he increased his lead in the green jersey Points competition. For the most successful team of the 2009 season, it was win number 52 for Colombia-HTC.

Overnight leader Fabian Cancellara kept his yellow jersey by quickly spotting the race winning move and joining the escapers. Unfortunately, his Saxo team did not follow him and Andy Schleck, the squad's intended leader also lost some time.

Tonight, Cancellara is 33 seconds in front of Martin and 40 seconds in front of Armstrong, which will ensure a great battle tomorrow.