Stage 3 saw the riders head from Granville on the coast, inland to Angers. The 223.5KM stage featured one fourth category climb of Côte de Villedieu-les-Poêles after just 25.5KM but was otherwise relatively flat. In other words, a classic sprinter's stage.
Dan's team, Fortuneo-Vital Concept had a pretty decent day all round, with team mate Armindo Fonseca in a solo breakaway for most of the day, only joined later by Tommy Voeckler (when the live TV coverage had already started). The pair were caught with around 10KM to go and the sprinters teams took over.
Dan was able to mix it with the best sprinters in the world again and bagged 9th place - his second top ten finish in 3 days. Not bad for a debutante at the biggest bike race on the planet.
Interesting therefore how significant the little things in life can be emphasised and exaggerated by the stresses and strains of Le Tour. Dan arrived in his hotel room to find that little bag of haribo on his pillow and instantly sent us his three words for the day - Bag - Of - Morale - no mention of his top ten finish!
Tomorrow might be another day for the fast men, let's see....
Follow Dan on Twitter: @McLAYDan and on Instagram: @McLAYDan
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