The third stage of the Giro d'Italia was short but it was very difficult with more than a third of the course being uphill. The three climbers from the FDJ team (Alexandre Géniez, Kenny Francis Mourey and Elissonde) finished in the first peloton of 60 riders after very good work of their team mates, including Cédric Pineau, who was in the break for much of the day.

"We had two plans at the star," explains sports director Martial Gayant. "To protect our leaders and to join a breakaway if it would be strong with more than 5 or 6 riders. Anthony Roux, Francis Mourey and Kenny Elissonde had that job but ultimately it was Cédric Pineau who was in a group of 25 riders. The agreement was never good and Contador's team left no room for the breakaway that never had more than a minute of advantage. The last attacker Kochetkov (Katusha) was caught in the finale."

In the peloton , there have split and Kevin Reza who had been given the job of mixing it up in the sprint, was quickly left behind. It was a bad day but on the other hand Jussi Veikkanen who is ill, had much better sensations.

"I have no doubt that Kevin will bounce back from this failure," Gayant said. "I also want to mention Arnaud Courteille who did exactly what was asked of him, and Murilo Fischer did a tremendous job until the last climb and we can really rely on him."