Sprinter Maximiliano Richeze has returned to the top level of the sport with Lampre-Merida after a number of difficult years following a doping suspension. Yesterday he got very close to his first big win as a Lampre rider when he finished 2nd on the third stage of the Eneco Tour.

Maximimiliano Richeze was a promising sprinter with the CSF Group Navigare team who had even won a stage at the 2007 Giro d'Italia when he tested positive for stanozolol at the 2008 Circuit de la Sarthe. Following his suspension, he had to gradually rebuild his career until finally signing his first ProTeam contract with Lampre-Merida prior to the season.

Yesterday Richeze proved that he is back to his best when he finished 2nd on the third stage of the Eneco Tour. Having already taken 4th on day one, he was brought into position by his teammate Davide Vigano and was attentive when Andre Greipel made a gap that allowed his teammate Jurgen Roelandts to go off the front.

The Argentinean joined the move and - being the fastest rider in the group on paper - had a fantastic opportunity to take a big WorldTour win. Opening his sprint from second position behind Lars Boom, he was, however, overtaken by Zdenek Stybar and had to settle for 2nd.

Richeze was of course disappointed not to get the win but was happy that he has finally returned to the top level.

“It was a very good day for me, my legs were super and my team was outstanding in supporting me," he said. Unfortunately, I could not finish off my perfect performance with a win. I must thank Viganò for having led me too the front of the bunch just before the turn in which Boom and Stybar escaped from the group: I followed them and we could stay away to the finish."

Richeze regretted his timing in the sprint.

"Boom started the sprint early and got an advantage of a few metres, so I had to accelerate. Probably it would have been better to wait for a little longer as I lost power during the final 100m.  It’s a pity that I could not get the victory but being so close to the victory in a bunch full of top sprinters makes me happy."

Richeze will get his final chance for success in today's 4th stage which is expected to finish in a bunch sprint. Starting at 14.25 you can follow the action on CyclingQuotes.com/live.