Elia Viviani wins Tour de Romandie stage three

Elia Viviani (Team Sky) won the third stage of the Tour de Romandie at the end of a 180-km ride around Payerne on Friday.

Viviani didn’t panic as Alexander Edmondson (Orica-Scott) jumped early, and had enough strength in reserve to overcome his rival, and hold off Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain Merida) at the line.

“I’m really happy and I need to thank the whole team. It’s exciting to have Froomey doing a lead-out with one kilometre to go. It’s not normal, but when you are in a team like ours it’s amazing when the whole team work for you and believe in you”, said Viviani.

“It’s been a long time since I last won, dating back to De Panne last season – over a year ago. That’s not easy for a sprinter! And this year after six second places, finally here in Romandie I got this big win.

“Today the whole team were incredible, from Pete and (Ian) Boswell working at the front early, Kiry, Lopez, Gianni and Owain Doull doing a perfect lead-out. Froomey didn’t want to lose any time on the stage but he said he was quite happy to do a lead-out for me.”

Fabio Felline (Trek-Segafredo) finished safely in the peloton and kept the overall race lead before Saturday’s queen stage.

#TDR2017 Elia Viviani (SKY) gana la 3ª etapa en Payerne. Los favoritos, sin diferencias antes del fin de semana decisivo. pic.twitter.com/n1kbeJgVdY

— Movistar Team (@Movistar_Team) 28 aprilie 2017

Tour de Romandie 2017 – stage 3 results (Payerne – Payerne):

General classification after stage 3: