Ruta del Sol 2018: Modolo sprints to victory, Poels still leading

The 3rd stage at the Ruta del Sol runs on rolling roads from Mancha Real to Herrera. It comes down to a bunch sprint with Sacha Modolo powering to the wind. Wout Poels retains in the overall lead. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 3rd stage 2018 Volta a Catalunya

1. Sacha Modolo (ita)
2. Carlos Barbero (spa) s.t.
3. Nelson Andres Soto (col) s.t.
4. Oscar Gatto (ita) s.t.
5. Moreno Hofland (nld) s.t.
6. Jon Aberasturi (spa) s.t.
7. Eduard Michael Grosu (Roe) s.t.
8. Coen Vermeltfoort (nld) s.t.
9. Andrea Pasqualon (ita) s.t.
10. Colin Joyce (usa) s.t.

GC after 3rd stage
1. Wout Poels (nld)
2. Luis León Sánchez (spa) + 0.02
3. Tim Wellens (bel) s.t.
4. Mikel Landa (spa) + 0.04
5. Jakob Fuglsang (den) s.t.
6. Marc Soler (spa) + 0.17
7. Chris Froome (gbr) + 0.27
8. Mikel Bizkarra (spa) + 0.34
9. Jelle Vanendert (bel) s.t.
10. Steven Kruijswijk (nld) s.t.

Race report
It takes almost one hour of racing for the break of the day to take shape. Marco Minnaard, Alvaro Cuadres, Hector Saez and Oscar Cabedo race to a lead of more than 3 minutes before the peloton takes them on a leash. With 12 kms to go Cuadres and Saez are the last attackers… uhm, were the last attackers as they are caught.

In the ensuing sprint Sacha Modolo makes no mistakes. No cheering too early as in stage 1 – on the contrary, he jumps to the line to take the win ahead of Carlos Barbero and Nelson Andres Soto.

Wout Poels finishes safely in the bunch to retain the leader’s jersey.