Fabian Cancellara (Trek) showed that his condition is improving for the classics when he joined Chris Froome, Peter Sagan, and Zdenek Stybar in an attack near the end of today's third stage of the Tour of Oman. The effort was in vain as the race was decided in a bunch sprint, with the Swiss blaming the headwind for the failed attempt.

Chris Froome (Team Sky) used the final climb in the 145-kilometer stage to launch an attack over the top and was joined by Zdenek Stybar (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) and Fabian Cancellara. With only five kilometers remaining it was a dangerous move, however the stiff headwind negated the trio from gaining much ground.

“It was a lot of headwind and that is why the attacks went late,” said Fabian Cancellara, recounting the last kilometers of the race. “The last bump was hard, there were a few attacks. Stybar, Froome, and some other guys tried to go [on the climb] and it was a single line. At the top there were seven or eight riders clear and when I went to close the gap that is when Froome attacked. I knew Fränk [Schleck] was on my wheel so I went, and Fränk let me go. It was Froome and Stybar, but no one really was pulling and Peter [Sagan] came from behind. We did maybe a few pulls each but then already a Belkin rider came across, and then the whole bunch was there. When I saw Boonen, Greipel, Bennati, then I knew it was going to be a bunch sprint.”

In the end 80 riders galloped to the line in a bunch finish with André Greipel (Lotto Belisol) sprinting to his second win, well over a bike length in front of Peter Sagan (Cannondale) and Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr). Greipel also reclaimed the overall lead and the red leader’s jersey is back on his shoulders heading into tomorrow’s stage four.

“There was a good climb with 20kms to go but no one tried to attack there,” pointed out Trek sports director Kim Andersen as he explained why a large bunch finished all together. “I expected more action after the first climb, but I think there was not enough race before the climb and everyone was fresh. We still lost riders there and I think the headwind prevented any attacking. It was nice to see that Fabian tried to go over the top of the last one, but with the headwind, it was almost impossible.”

Trek Factory Racing had four riders finish in the front peloton as Cancellara, Jesse Sergent, Fränk and Andy Schleck, were all in the large group at the end.  Hayden Roulston had an unfortunate and unlucky puncture before the last climbs, resulting in the Kiwi hitting the pavement hard.

“I punctured my front wheel in a corner with about 25 kilometers to go, just before the first climb,” said Roulston, clearly unhappy with his fall.  “I am okay. I have scrapes on my hip and elbow; it really just pissed me off more than anything. But what can you do?  It is just bad luck.”

Today’s stage three showed the first animation by the GC contenders, although in the end the pot was merely stirred, not shaken, it was a good indicator that tomorrow the fireworks will begin.

“Tomorrow is a difficult stage; for sure it’s different because we have four big climbs and it’s longer,” continued Andersen, then added, “I am sure a lot will happen. Tomorrow the hard racing begins.”

You can read our preview of the race here.