Updates from Tuesday’s stage from Reims to NancyRead William FOtheringham’s stage-by-stage guide Alaphilippe wins stage three to take yellow jerseyAnd you can email Barry here or tweet him here 11.52am BST 196km to go: Our three man breakaway of Michael Schär (CCC), Yoann Offredo (Wanty–Groupe Gobert) and Frederik Backaert (Wanty–Groupe Gobert) has opened a gap of 2min 48sec on the bunch, which is of course being towed along by Tony Martin (Jumbo- Visma).There is no sense of urgency whatsoever in either group, with both enjoying the sunshine and scenery as they head through the Champagne region. The vineyards on either side of the road will soon be replaced by barley. 11.48am BST 11.46am BST The Maillot Jaune speaks: “I struggled to fall asleep last night,” said Julian Alaphillipe, in an interview with French TV ahead of today’s roll-out. “I displayed the yellow jersey on top of the television to make sure that I’d see it at wake-up. Last year I already got a lot of support from the public but this morning, about 150 people were cheering for me outside of my hotel. I’ll enjoy every kilometre I’ll ride with the yellow jersey. I’m overwhelmed and proud. It was an exploit yesterday but on my favourite terrain. I’m not a favourite for winning the Tour de France. Today, we’ll control the race especially because we want Elia Viviani to win in Nancy.” 11.35am BST 11.32am BST 208km to go: A very, very long day indeed. The breakaway is rolling along at a fairly sedate pace, apparently safe in the knowledge that nobody in the peloton can be bothered trying to chase and join them. 11.29am BST Your breakaway: Michael Schär (CCC), Yoann Offredo (Wanty–Groupe Gobert) and Frederik Backaert (Wanty–Groupe Gobert). 11.26am BST 213.5km to go: They’re off and “racing” although there’s no discernible change in pace apart from that of the small group of just three riders who have shot off into the distance. This could be a very long day for them . and us. 11.19am BST The roll-out is underway: The peloton is on the move, led by the gentlemen in the picture below and rolling along behind the red Skoda containing race director Christian Prudhomme. He’ll emerge from the sunroof and give the signal to begin racing with a wave of his yellow flag in three kilometres time. 11.04am BST 11.04am BST 11.04am BST Julian Alaphillipe’s late breakaway enabled him to take both the stage win and the yellow jersey. Jeremy Whittle was there to see it . Related: Tour de France: Julian Alaphilippe wins stage three to take yellow jersey 10.30am BST From William Fotheringham’s stage by stage -guide: A second long day in a row, but this one will end in a bunch sprint unless it rains and there is some action over the final climb, 15km from the finish. It’s a typical first-week stage, largely main roads and the scenario should be classic: early break, late catch, scary sprint. There aren’t that many opportunities for the flat-road sprinters in this Tour, so again it will be Caleb Ewan, and André Greipel in the mix, although the hill close to the finish will favour all-rounders such as Elia Viviani. Continue readingread full article
