Critérium du Dauphiné Stage 3 is a 182km stage from to Boën-sur-Lignon to Tournon-sur-Rhône. The terrain has a similar feel to that of Stage 2 in that it is hilly (but flat at the end) and likely to have the final contested by a diminished group.
The Profile
Stage 3 sees the riders leave Boën-sur-Lignon with a fairly flat road for the first 40kms of the stage. A small climb takes the riders to 872 metres at Chambles. A short descent and then the riders climb gradually and cross two category 4 mountains in the following 70kms.
A long descent of 40+ kms takes the riders down into a valley before the tough climb of the day, the steep category 2 Cote de Secheras is reached within the last 25kms of the stage.
Expect the GC riders to excel on this climb. It is only short but the gradient is harsh. The mountain points are actually about 5kms from the top of the climb, although the second part is less severe. A small group of top riders should be able to escape on this climb and descend into the finish to contest a small sprint.
Possible Winners of Stage 3
I don’t see the sprinters having a chance of victory in stage 3. The category 2 Cote de Secheras will be ridden at too fast a pace and the gradient will be too steep for Kristoff, Bouhanni and Degenkolb to remain in the front group. They were dropped very early on the final climb in stage 2 and the Cote de Secheras is even tougher.
Stage 3 favourite in the bookies eyes is Greg van Avermaet. He featured well in stage 2 finishing in 7th place but the finish probably suited him better than it will in Tournon-sur-Rhône. He has beaten Peter Sagan in a sprint finish this year though so he is quick.
Edvald Boasson Hagen and Simon Gerrans were surprisingly dropped before the finale on the final climb in stage 2. I think both will be better tomorrow. I think they can both stay within touch of the front group over the final climb and close a small gap into the finish. Of the two Gerrans has the better EW value at 17.0.
Julian Alaphilippe and Dan Martin disappointed yesterday – I do think the former was obstructed by the crash between the two AG2R-
Tony Gallopin rode well yesterday – attacking on the final climb and trying to hold on with a small group for victory. He too is a good EW bet for stage 3 at 26.0.
Of the real outsiders I like the chances of Roman Bardet. He tangled with his team-mate in the stage 2 finish and needs to make up some time. He isn’t really a threat for overall victory and could be allowed some leeway on the final climb. He is an excellent descender too – winning a Grand Tour stage through this skill. At 101.0 a small flutter won’t break the bank.
The GC riders will be in the final group but I don’t see them being in contention for victory.
Critérium du Dauphiné Stage 3 Tips
Back Simon Gerrans to win stage 3 with a 0.75/10 EW stake (1/4 odds top 3) at 26.0 with Paddy Power.
Back Edvald Boasson Hagen to win stage 3 with a 0.75/10 EW stake (1/4 odds top 3) at 8.0 with Paddy Power.
Back Roman Bardet to win stage 3 with a 0.50/10 EW stake (1/4 odds top 3) at 101.0 with Paddy Power.
Back them here:
