Milram's Niki Terpstra has taken over the overall lead in the Dauphiné Libéré with his win in the third stage. The Dutchman won the 182 kilometre race from Tournus to St. Etienne beating Ludovich Turpin (AG2r) and Yuri Trofimov (Bbox-Bouygues Telecom) in a sprint. The break held on to a 1:32 advantage over the peloton which was enough for Terpstra to take the leader's jersey off of Cadel Evans' (Silence-Lotto) shoulders.
"Niki is always in it for a surprise," said a delighted team manager Gerry van Gerwen after the victory. "This win will give him further self-confidence and also confirms the rising performances of the team these past few weeks."
The breakaway of five formed 30km into the stage, and had a maximum lead of 5:38 on the hilly route that included four fourth category climbs. By the time the main field reacted it was too late reel the break back in.
Tomorrow's stage is a 42km individual time trial that takes place in Valence. Terpstra only has 1:01 in hand over race favorite Cadel Evans, meaning it will be a tall order for the Milram rider to defend his race lead.
Stage
1. Niki Terpstra (NED/MRM) 4hr 32min 34sec
2. Ludovic Turpin (FRA/ALM) 0:00.
3. Yuri Trofimov (RUS/BBO) 0:00.
4. Remi Pauriol (FRA/COF) 0:00.
5. Inigo Landaluze (ESP/EUS) 0:00.
6. Nikolai Trussov (RUS/KAT) 1:32.
7. Murilo Fischer (BRA/LIQ) 1:32.
8. Marco Bandiera (ITA/LAM) 1:32.
9. Markus Zberg (SUI/BMC) 1:32.
10. Christian Knees (GER/MRM) 1:32.
Overall
1. Niki Terpstra (NED/MRM) 10hr 23min 45sec
2. Remi Pauriol (FRA/COF) at 0:26 sec
3. Yuri Trofimov (RUS/BBO) 0:27.
4. Ludovic Turpin (FRA/ALM) 0:36.
5. Cadel Evans (AUS/SIL) 1min 01sec
6. Inigo Landaluze (ESP/EUS) 1:01.
7. Alberto Contador (ESP/AST) 1:09.
8. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/GCE) 1:24.
9. Sebastien Rosseler (BEL/QST) 1:34.
10. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/LIQ) 1:35.