Hushovd Wins Grueling Stage Three of 2010 Tour de France

Stage Three was dusty and dangerous and painful, and it had a powerful impact on the 2010 Tour de France.

Thor Hushovd sprints to the finish of Stage Three of the Tour de France, followed by Cadel Evans (L), Gerraint Thomas (2L), and Ryder Hesjedal (R, in orange, obscured.) Spencer Platt/Getty Images

It was dusty, dangerous, painful, and it had a powerful impact: Stage Three of the 2010 Tour de France, with its seven sections of cobblestones, tore the peloton to pieces, broke bikes and riders, and changed the complexion of the whole Tour.

Thor Hushovd, finally getting a chance to use his power after yesterday’s frustration, won the final sprint against a very elite group of riders, including Ryder Hesjedal, Fabian Cancellara, Andy Schleck, Gerraint Thomas, and Cadel Evans

Ryder Hesjedal of Garmin-Transitions attacked at 11 kilometers and stayed away until 6.5 kilometers to go. It was an epic ride over the cobblestoned roads on the border of Belgium and France.

He started out with six companions and dropped them one by one, until with 20 km left he was alone, trying for the stage win.

It wasn’t to be, but it was a great effort, and it earned Hesjedal fourth in the General Classification.