Stage 3, Tour de France
Tom Boonen claims the maillot jaune as Kessler wins the stage
Matthias Kessler tried to win stage 2 on Monday, but was swamped by the peloton less than 50 metres from the finish. He was in the pack yesterday as they arrived into Valkenburg and timed his escape to perfection. Despite the attention lavished by Michael Boogerd on the final grade 3 climb, Kessler managed to eke out a 5 second advantage over the peloton.
It was a day that will be remembered as much for the attrition of one of the overall race favourites, spanish star Alejandro Velverde. He was involved in an accident whilst in the middle of the main bunch of riders about 20km from Valkenburg. He was treated at the spot, and early reports suggest that he has a broken collar bone. He has dropped out of the tour.
Also departing from the tour are American Fred Rodriguez and Dutchman Erik Dekker, as they crashed into a large pot hole on the third climb of the stage. Rodriguez may have suffered an injury to the wrist as well as a broken shoulder. Dekker suffered a concussion besides deep cuts to his face and lips. The tour is now down to 172 riders after Danilo Di Luca pulled out earlier due to illness.
Belgian Tom Boonen will cherish wearing the yellow jersey as the tour moves into Belgium for stage 4 starting in Huy leading to Saint Quentin in France. Located just outside Ardennes, Huy has already hosted stages for the Giro d'Italia and the Tour of Belgium this year. Saint Quentin is a town rich in historical heritage and enriched by its vibrant cultural and artistic activities.
The leader going into stage three, Thor Hushovd has dropped into fourth place as he was sluggish on the final climb loosing vital seconds as he finished in 63rd position. The time trial world champion Michael Rogers has moved into second overall, a second behind Boonen. George Hincapie is positioned well in third position.
A lot of the early leaders will drop out of contention as the tour reaches the mountains, all the more reason for Boonen to enjoy his ride in the yellow jersey on wednesday.
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