The last 3,7 km climb to Målselv saw Team Katusha’s Ilnur Zakarin climbing with the best, finally taking sixth on the queen stage in the 3rd Arctic Race of Norway at 20-seconds behind winner Ben Hermans.

"Today I wanted to fight for the stage victory, but honestly the climb didn’t suit me well. It was short and more explosive. I tried to do my best, but it is my third stage race in a row and maybe I miss some freshness in the legs. I think after a short break I will feel much better in a new block of races," said team rider Ilnur Zakarin.

Race and team leader Alexander Kristoff stayed in the mix for the first part of the climb, helping to keep Zakarin in the front group. Eventually the pitch was too much for sprinter Kristoff and as he slipped away from the leaders, Zakarin attacked with Rein Taaramäe of Astana, but then lost contact in the last part of the climb. Ben Hermans (BMC) seized the opportunity to chase down Taaramäe and close the gap on the final corner in sight of the finish line. He earned the solo victory by 3-seconds. Mathias Frank (IAM Cycling) was third at ten seconds.

Kristoff’s race lead went to stage winner Hermans with a 7-second advantage to Taaramäe and twenty-four seconds to third place Edvald Boasson Hagen of MTN-Qhubeka. Ilnur Zakarin broke into the top 10 with a ninth place on the general classification at 41-seconds behind leader Herman. Alexander Kristoff still holds the points classification and will ride stage 4 in the green jersey.

Saturday’s stage 3 from Finnsnes to Målselv at 183 km featured an early break of six riders with Norwegian Haavard Blikra (Team Coop-Oster Hus) the last one reeled back after 175 km in the front. Leading into the foot of the climb, Team Katusha kept the pace high for Kristoff and Zakarin, hitting the lower slopes in the front group. It was the final chase-down from Hermans that provided all the excitement with the Belgian making the late move to provide the solo win.

Stage 4 on Sunday brings the Arctic Race of Norway to a conclusion. At 165 km, the stage is in Narvik and features four local laps with a pretty climb to bring to close out the race.