In the third stage of the Spanish stage race, four riders quickly launched an early attack. However, thanks to the controlling work of Team Visma | Lease a Bike in the peloton, the breakaway had no chance of success this time.

A large peloton then approached the finale, which featured a rising final kilometer. The yellow-and-black team took the lead in the last ten kilometers, and Laporte was well-positioned for the sprint in the final kilometer. At the line, the Frenchman narrowly missed out and finished third.

“We rode a very good race,” reflects team director Marc Reef. “Will Smith did strong work in chasing down the breakaway. In the finale, we executed well and took control of the race. Unfortunately, Christophe was ultimately beaten at the line. But we can look back on a good day.”

Team Visma | Lease a Bike will carry that confidence into tomorrow, Reef adds: “Tomorrow should offer another opportunity for the sprinters. The start is relatively challenging, but the flat finish will likely result in a sprint. We aim to be in contention for the win again.”