Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Gianni Meersman finished in the top 40 of the 184.8km La Vuelta a España Stage 3 on Monday. OPQS chased down breakaways and peloton splits for much of the day and was in good position with a high pace going into the final climb (4.2km, 4.8%).
However, the pace was so high that the peloton became completely strung out, and eventually Juan Antonio Flecha (Vacansoleil-DCM) tried an attack with 2.9km to go. Flecha was quickly caught and dropped by Ivan Santaromita (BMC Racing Team). However, despite a 7" gap inside the final kilometer, Chris Horner (Radioshack-Leopard) timed a counter attack perfectly and passed Santaromita on his way to a solo victory. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) was 2nd, and Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) was 3rd. Meersman finished 38th.
OPQS looks next to a 189km Stage 4 tomorrow, with yet another uphill to the finish line.
