Gatis Smukulis is known as a strong classics rider but yesterday he performed well in unusual terrain. In a quest to support his leader Alexander Kristoff he was a surprise third in the first ever summit finish of the Tour of Norway.

Team Katusha rider Gatis Smukulis finished 3rd in the third mountain stage of the prestigious stage race Tour of Norway. Smukulis became a part of the late breakaway group, which managed to stay in front until the finish and to play for the victory.

"Two riders of Belkin and some other riders attacked at the descent before the final climb," he said. "I decided to follow them to take control over the break for our leader Alexander Kristoff. Then in case the peloton came back, I could help Alex in the sprint.

"It was not easy at all to catch the leaders, but I finally I did it. I felt quite good today, but I was a little bit tired after two days working at 100%. My rivals in the break tried to attack several times inside the final few km, but every time I was able to close the gap. At the finish I did my best in sprint, but I missed some speed. Anyway, I am happy with the podium place, this is good result.

The third stage of the Tour of Norway was made up of 181 km from Ernes to Budor. The stage included 2 climbs at the second part of the race with the final climb of 12 km. From the beginning a group of 4 riders broke away for a daily escape. But after the top of the first climb the breakaway was neutralized. On the descent a number of attacks exploded the peloton. Finally three riders were able to go away – Stef Clement and Sep Vanmarcke from Belkin and Jaroslaw Marycz from CCC Polsat. Later Gatis Smukulis and then two more riders – Gustav Larsson from IAM Cycling and Jerome Baugnies from Wanty - joined them.

The peloton with Team Katusha leader Alexander Kristoff did all possible to catch the group, but did not manage to do it.

Finally in the sprint from the breakaway Sep Vanmarcke took the stage victory, Larsson was second while Gatis Smukulis completed the daily podium.

The peloton finished 13 seconds later with Alexander Kristoff in 8th position.

"I think we can be satisfied with the stage results. Today we have got maximum we could with such a race profile. The team did a very strong race. We supported Alexander Kristoff during the stage because there was a chance for a bunch sprint. Then when attacks started, Gatis Smukulis was able to join the breakaway, and that was a really good scenario for us. Finally, Gatis did a good race and took a nice result. Tomorrow will be the hardest stage of the race, but we are ready for the fight," explained sports director of Katusha Torsten Schmidt.

Marc De Maar saved his yellow jersey after today’s 3rd stage; Alexander Kristoff is 4th with +0.10. Kristoff still leads the points classification of the Tour of Norway (green jersey).

Today it's time for the queen’s 4th stage of the race – 195 km from Brumunddal to Lillehammer.