Ulissi storms to victory at Tour du Limousin

There was delight and drama in the finale of Stage 3 of the Tour du Limousin where Diego Ulissi fought his way to an impressive victory in a select sprint finish ahead of Greg Van Avermaet (AG2R-Citroen).

There was a moment of frustration for Rui Costa who looked like he was moving clear to victory inside the final -2km. The Portuguese former World Champion attacked from behind but appeared to be sent the wrong way at a roundabout just before the flamme rouge with the chasing group able to take the correct route at the last moment.

Ulissi attempted to stall the group but an attack from Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) dashed any hopes of Costa returning before the sprint.
It was then that Ulissi showed his class – making his move to take a clear win in the reduced bunch finish. He now sits 2nd in the General Classification behind race leader Alex Aranburu (Movistar) ahead of tomorrow’s hilly final stage from Saint-Laurent-sur-Gorre to Limoges (174.8km).

The win marks the 39th triumph of the year for UAE Team Emirates.

Ulissi: “It was a very tight race with a tough course. Me, Rui Costa and Oliveira rode well staying ahead in the group with the best riders and managed to fight it out for the win. In the final I could make a good sprint and I’m really happy for this victory.”

Stage 3 results

1.Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) 4:22:03
2.Greg Van Avermaet (AG2R-Citroen) s.t
3.Alex Aranburu (Movistar) s.t

General Classification after stage 3

1.Alex Aranburu (Movistar) 12:50:34
2.Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) +8’’
3.Greg Van Avermaet (AG2R-Citroen) +12’’