After a day in the mountains stage 3 should once again be for the sprints, though last season the break took the win.
We’re already nearly 50 km into the race and the team of the race leader doesn’t seem inclined to let a break of at least 3 riders get away. The first trio was already brought back, the second one also isn’t allowed a gap so far.
With 117 km to go the attackers are caught, but the pace is kept high nonetheless. There’s no reason apparent for this tactics.
Apparently we miss something here as Genii has taken over the leading duties with 83 km to go (there’s still no one out in front to chase).
After the first intermediate sprint and the KoM sprint weren’t contested due to the high pace in the peloton Perera wins the last two intermediate sprints to increase his lead in the points classification.
With 7 km to go the sprint preparation is on.
With 2.5 km to go there are trains for Hayakawa and Zariff.
Under the kite Zariff leaves Pages slipstream.
But the Malaysian is already spent with 600 m to go. Hayakawa is now in the lead. Stallaert, Scott, Trezise and Haller are next.
Hayakawa falls behind with 200 m to go. Haller is the new leader with Trezise on his side.
And Trezise beats the Austrian for the stage win!
Bernard beats Hermans for 3rd. Hayakawa finishes 5th in the end. Goncalves, Stallaert, Scott, Singh and Primozic complete the top 10.
Congratulations to today’s surprising winner Trezise!
[C1] Tour du Maroc 
