With a double ascension of the Col de la Baraque (631M), today’s decisively difficult stage 3 took its toll on the team. Only Pat McCarty and Will Frischkorn were able to hang on to the peloton over the second ascension of the climb. Mike Friedman has fallen out of the top ten in the overall classification, but is still looking for a stage win.

French rider Kilian Patour started the stage sick and did all he could to finish. But after vomiting twice and then feeling dizzy on the descent, he decided it was time to call it quits. He will head home to recover and we all wish him well.

Two men short, the team will regroup for the 151K stage around the Fumades and a possible stage victory.