Dutch rider Theo Bos (Blanco Cycling) took full advantage of Team Sky’s lead-out for Edvald Boasson Hagen, with Katsuha’s Kristoff surging to second and Italy’s Mateo Pelucchi (IAM Cycling) claiming third on the day.

Despite the efforts of his teammates, Boasson Hagen slipped to fourth, having hoped to progress from his two second-placed finishes hitherto in the race.

Norway’s Kristoff (Katusha), who won the first two stages, preserves the overall lead, extending his lead over compatriot Boasson Hagen to 14 seconds.

Earlier during the 163km, sprinter-heavy stage, a four-man break of Lars Boom (Blanco), Tim Wellens (Lotto-Belisol), Amets Txurruka (Caja Rural) and Sven Erik Bystrom (Oster Hus-Ridley) threatened to stretch the peloton.

However, the gap was soon diminished and eventually caught as the riders approached the five 8km finishing circuits towards the end of the day.

Assuming control and attempting to set up Boasson Hagen, Team Sky took the initiative but Boasson Hagen was unable to hold off the fast-finishing trio over the final few metres.

Result, stage 3:

1 Theo Bos - Blanco Pro Cycling

2 Alexander Kristoff - Katusha

3 Matteo Pelucchi - IAM Cycling

4 Edvald Boasson Hagen - Team Sky

5 Sven Vandousselaere - Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise

6 Tom Van Asbroeck - Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise

7 Sondre Holst Enger - Team Plussbank

8 Christian Bertilsson - Team People4you-Unaas

9 Evaldas Siskevicius - Sojasun

10 Takashi Miyazawa - Team Saxo - Tinkoff

General classification:

1 Alexander Kristoff - Katusha