The intermediate sprint was again exciting, a new focus this year after a change in the rules for the points competition. Cavendish of HTC-Highroad was first among the sprinters, earning 10 points, while Farrar was not a factor. Garmin has stated that their goal is to win stages, not to pursue the green jersey awarded to the rider earning the most points at designated spots over the route.
Once a five-man breakaway was caught by the peloton, the sprinters’ teams organized at the front, and HTC laid out its famous lead-out train of riders escorting Cavendish until the last possible moment. Peter Velits drove the HTC train, then pulled off for Bernard Eisel, then Tony Martin, who appeared surprised by Eisel’s short turn at the front. Matt Goss followed Martin, but a crack in the train occurred at the 2K to go mark. The team was unable to reorganize, and Cavendish was left on his own, stuck in the middle of a group of riders and about five men back. In the meantime, Garmin gathered its lead-out men for Farrar, including Thor Hushovd in the yellow jersey as current race leader. While Hushovd will not keep the jersey for long, it was an unusual sight to see the man in yellow at the front of the brunch sprint, as race leaders normally stay out of the fast, dangerous sprint finishes.
It was a great victory for Farrar, the 27-year-old from Washington. With stage wins at the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta de Espana, he was hungry for a piece of the Tour de France. As he crossed the line, he formed a “W” with his hands, a tribute to his friend Wouter Weylandt who died in a crash at the Giro in May.
The competition between Garmin and HTC is a compelling storyline for American Independence day. These two American teams, along with BMC and RadioShack, demonstrate the flourishing world of professional cycling in the U.S. We have come a long way from the days when Lance Armstrong’s U.S. Postal and Discovery teams were the only players and were focused solely on his victories. Now, American teams are competing at sprints and time trials as well, plus a number of American cyclists are bound to impress in the mountains and the general classification (G.C.).
Indeed, the American climbers like Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner may come out to play at Tuesday’s Stage 4. The 172.5 kilometer stage will be distinguished by the final climb into Mur-de-Bretagne. Not long, but as steep as 15% in some areas, the last few kilometers are considered as fun as riding up a wall. The G.C. contenders must stay in the front here, and someone may lose his chance for a win if he cracks. Cadel Evans is motivated to maintain his high standings, while Alberto Contador may take this opportunity to bring back the time he has already lost on his rivals. The last 5 kilometers, especially the last brutal 2K, will be the highlight.
Stage 3 Top Finishers:
1. Tyler Farrar (Team Garmin-Cervelo)
2. Romain Feillu (Vacansoleil)
3. Jose Joaquin Rojas (Movistar)
4. Sebastien Hinault (Ag2r La Mondiale)
5. Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad)
View complete Stage 3 results: http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/LIVE/us/300/classement/index.html
View map and profile of Stage 4: http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/LIVE/us/400/index.html
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