Kevin Vermaerke rode a strong final climb on stage 3 of the Arctic Race of Norway to finish third on the stage, moving himself up to the same position on GC heading into tomorrow’s final day of racing.
The stage featured an early break of four riders that was allowed to move clear under the control of the peloton as all eyes focused on the final ascent to the finish. The last remaining rider was swept up on the lower slopes of the climb which sparked a number of counter attacks from the reduced peloton, one of which saw two riders. Splitting in the final few kilometres, one rider maintained a small advantage to the line whilst behind, despite a hard chase by Gijs Leemreize on the final slopes, the race was for second place.
Vermaerke said after the finish: “It was a pretty straight forward day really. The break went quickly and we settled in for about 120 kilometres of riding together with the boys. We were well positioned all day and saved energy. Coming into the final we rode really well to hold our position at the front and came into the climb with the freshest legs possible. Everyone really contributed today so I have to thank all the guys for that. Heading into the climb, Tobi did a bit of a lead-out to the bottom and my plan was to follow wheels. When the two guys attacked with five to go I sat back and hoped they’d fade in the last few k’s but it just stuck. It wasn’t quite hard enough to drop the sprinters like Cort and I always knew it would be hard to beat him if he was still there. But second in the bunch and third overall was not too bad. I hope tomorrow I’ll have good legs again and we can try and go a bit better.”