Race report from Tyler Farrar
It was really a crazy finish circuit today, lots of up, down, left, right — all on small roads. I had a bit of bad luck and broke my rear derailleur with 10km to go, so I only had the 12 cog for the end of the race. I was really motivated for today though since it was my last chance for a win before we head into the mountains. Luckily it came together enough that I was able to get second and take the young rider’s jersey. A little more luck and I’ll get one of these!
On a far less positive note we lost Christian to a crash today. Nobody likes to see a friend get hurt, and we’re all hoping he has a speedy recovery!
Race report from Matt White
Christian’s crash today was definitely a blow to the teams moral. To see the team’s leader crash out like that rattled everyone. But we have time on our side and will now just have to restructure our Tour de France preparation.
First thing’s first, getting Christian home to his family and to get checked out again in 72 hours. We will then do whatever is needed to enable the best recovery for VDV’s health. I am very confident this will just be a hurdle we have to deal with on the road to July’s prologue in Monaco.
On the flip side Tyler showed he is in the form of his life and is edging closer to stage win here in Italy! With a brilliant second place on a very challenging final circuit. Next objective for us, stage 7.
Team Garmin-Slipstream, stage 3 results
1. Alessandro Petacchi 4h45.27
2. Tyler Farrar
80. Bradley Wiggins +1.25
108. David Millar
114. Danny Pate
129. Tom Danielson +2.50
143. Cameron Meyer +4.02
157. David Zabriskie +4.11
158. Julian Dean +4.30
DNF Christian Vande Velde (crash)
Team Garmin-Slipstream, GC results
1. Alessandro Petacchi 8h50.06
2. Tyler Farrar +0.08 (Best Young Rider)
50. Bradley Wiggins +1.49
96. Thomas Danielson +3.27
129. David Millar +5.00
142. David Zabriskie +6.05
143. Danny Pate +6.18
148. Julian Dean +6.58
150. Cameron Meyer +7.08
