On the 3rd stage of Volta a Catalunya the riders faced 156 km with start and finish in Girona and five mountains; two 1st category, one 2nd category and finally two 3rd category climbs. After yesterday’s breakaway by Tsgabu Grmay, another rider from Lampre-Merida was in the main breakaway of the stage, namely Mattia Cattaneo who escaped from the bunch.

He did so with 5 riders after 40 km after the early part of the stage had been characterized by many attacks which also saw Grmay try once again. The breakaway had a maximum advantage of 3’45”, but the bunch reacted and neutralized them with 50 km to go.

Lampre-Merida was ready to support captains Valls and Niemiec in the approach to the final climbs. But after having passed the summit of Alt de Santa Pellaia, a crash split the bunch. The Lampre riders were in the second group which tried to chase the leading group from which 7 riders escaped and battled for the victory which was taken by Pozzovivo.

Valls and Niemiec reached the finish in the first chasing group, 22″ later than the winner. There’s a new leader in the overall classification, Rolland, and Valls and Niemiec are 21st and 24th at 2’46”.

Sport director Orlando Maini had some regrets about the outcome.

"I'm sorry not to have taken advantage of a great opportunity to get a result," he said. "The condition of our riders is very good and we would be valid contenders against the riders who have fought for the win. Unfortunately, at the time of the split, we were a bit too far back and this has affected our stage as regards the possibility to aim for a good result.

"As for the GC, the delay was minimal. The next stage will give us the opportunity to get back in the game, at least for the podium since the advantage of Rolland is remarkable. I have to congratulate Cattaneo for finding the right time to join the break, even if the group left little room for attackers."