Volta a Catalunya 2021: Adam Yates climbs to stage win and leaders jersey

Volta a Catalunya 2021: Adam Yates climbs to stage win and leader’s jersey

image: Cor VosAdam Yates climbs to the leader's jersey in Vallter 2000. The Briton wins the first mountain stage ahead of Esteban Chaves and Alejandro Valverde, while Geraint Thomas finishes in fourth position. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 3rd stage 2021 Volta a Catalunya

1. Adam Yates (gbr)
2. Esteban Chaves (col) + 0.13
3. Alejandro Valverde (spa) + 0.19
4. Geraint Thomas (gbr) + 0.31
5. Harm Vanhoucke (bel) s.t.
6. Sepp Kuss (usa) s.t.
7. Hugh Carthy (gbr) s.t.
8. Michael Woods (can) + 0.36
9. Richie Porte (aus) s.t.
10. Giulio Ciccone (ita) s.t.

12. Simon Yates (gbr) s.t.
14. Wilco Kelderman (nld) s.t.
16. João Almeida (por) + 0.46
19. Lennard Kämna (ger) + 1.09
20. Brandon McNulty (usa) + 1.21
24. Steven Kruijswijk (nld) + 1.29

GC after stage 3
1. Adam Yates (gbr)
2. Richie Porte (aus) + 0.45
3. João Almeida (por) + 0.49
4. Geraint Thomas (gbr) + 0.53
5. Wilco Kelderman (nld) + 1.03
6. Alejandro Valverde (spa) + 1.04
7. Hugh Carthy (gbr) + 1.14
8. Simon Yates (gbr) + 1.21
9. Esteban Chaves (col) s.t.
10. Brandon McNulty (usa) + 1.24

Race report
Attacks are flying from the gun and it takes 15 kilometres for the breakaway to take shape. Thymen Arensman, Francisco Galván, Alexander Kamp, Sean Bennett, Clément Venturini, Thomas Champion, Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, Colin Joyce and Alexander Evans carve out a lead of more than 11 minutes.

The leaders tackle the finish climb almost 3 minutes ahead of the main group. Marc Soler drops back in the peloton on the early slopes.

Thymen Arensman is the remaining attacker with 8.5 kilometres to go. Alejandro Valverde goes after the 21-year old Dutchman, while Nairo Quintana bridges across.

Adam Yates counter-attacks with Sepp Kuss in his wheel. Valverde manages to join the two.

The three gobble up Arensman before Kuss and Yates head out together inside the last 2.5 kilometres. The Briton leaves the American behind and sets off for the win.

Meanwhile, Esteban Chaves attacks in the background. The Colombian overhauls Valverde to finish in second place.

Richie Porte crosses the line in ninth position and he moves up to the second place, while overnight leader João Almeida drops to third.

Another interesting read: route 3rd stage 2021 Volta a Catalunya.