Albert Timmer spent the majority of the third stage of the Arctic Race of Norway today, moving clear in a small break of three early in the stage before attacking his breakaway companions late in the stage.

Albert was eventually reeled in by the chasing peloton sparking further attacks from the peloton including a move by Thierry Hupond but in the end only Johannes Fröhlinger was left at the front to contest the stage for the team, taking a top 20 placing.

The plan for the day was for Albert, Thierry and Johannes to try and get in a strong breakaway and it was Albert who managed to make the day’s move. Unfortunately with just two other riders for company the move never looked too dangerous but Albert gave his everything and moved clear when the other two escapees started to slow.

His move lasted to within 15km to go and as the race came back together Thierry went on the attack. This move didn’t last as the small front peloton continued to chase down the moves before a strong attack by Simon Spilak (Katusha) proved to be the winner. He dragged Steven Kruijswijk (Belkin Pro Cycling) away and these two ended up taking the stage and GC respectively at the finish.

“We went with an open mind into the stage today looking to get into the moves,” confirmed team coach Aike Visbeek after the stage to the Giant website. “Albert got away in a small group – we were hoping for more riders to get away with him but we decided that he would crack on and try regardless.

“He put up a good fight but it was hard going alone out there today. Thierry then attacked well as Albert was brought back but this did not stick either. In the final Johannes was up there but had to break in the sprint and could not get the result he was after.

“Overall it was good initiative by the guys and it was good to show our team at the front of the race again today.”