Due to strong winds and heavy rain, the original third stage at CRO Race was shortened this afternoon with the opening 65 kilometres or so removed from the parcours. When racing got underway it was clear that it was going to be a taxing day in the saddle and it became a proper race of attrition with riders slowly shelled from the peloton; whether that be on the ascents or descents.
At one moment McNulty put in a strong attack and built up an advantage over a reduced chasing peloton where Pavel Bittner, Sean Flynn, Tobias Lund Andresen and Warren Barguil remained. Unfortunately, Bittner slid out on one of the descents but thankfully he was ok and could continue on his spare bike. The remaining Team dsm-firmenich PostNL trio held on as things further splintered and the GC time was taken with 12 kilometres to go. However, the group would be unable to catch McNulty for the stage win, while Andresen fought to the finish to take third place on the day.