While it was previously thought that the 3rd stage might take it easy with a view to the team time trial the next day, the race was on full force. The crosswind caused fan formation at more than 30 kilometers from the finish. Team Columbia pushed on, after which a group of about 30 riders separated from the rest. Among them Lance Armstrong, Mark Cavendish and jersey wearer Fabian Cancellara. Team Columbia kept the pace high, making it impossible for the pursuers to turn back. The sprint of the further thinned out group was https://gas-stationsnearme.com/ eventually won by Mark Cavendish. The lead over the next group was 40 seconds.