Stage 3 of Tirreno-Adriatico — 178kms from Indicatore to Terni — was a quiet one for Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team. However, the fact that the race, once again, came down to a field sprint means general classification contender Peter Velits will be ready to battle for the next stages. His teammates are more than ready to work for him.
"Tomorrow starts the battle in Tirreno-Adriatico," Bert Grabsch tweeted on Friday. "Our horse Peter Velits from @opqscyclingteam is in a good shape!"
The stage finish was chaotic, with teams unable to establish effective leadout trains. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky Pro Cycling) won the sprint, with Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) and Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) taking 2nd and 3rd. Filippo Savini (Colnago CSF Bardiani) attacked early on and had a gap of 11 minutes at one point in the race. He was reeled in with 25km remaining.
Gert Steegmans was the team's top finisher, finishing 18th for the stage at 3 seconds back. He was likely taking Velits toward the front, as Velits was just behind him in 19th. Both finished 3 seconds after Boasson-Hagen.
Velits is currently 54 seconds back in the GC, in 74th place.