ARBENT, France – AG2R’s Maxime Bouet claimed victory on the third stage of the Tour de l’Ain stage race Friday, with fellow Frenchman Tony Gallopin (Cofidis) taking over the race lead.

Bouet outsprinted Belgian ace Greg Van Avermaet (Omega-Pharma) in a bunch finish to the 164.5 km stage between Montmerle-sur-Saone and Arbent with Gallopin finishing third to take the race leader’s jersey.

Gallopin now holds a two-second lead on Van Avermaet ahead of Saturday’s fourth stage, a 126.1km ride from Culoz to Belley.

Stage Results
1. Maxime Bouet (FRA/AG2R La Mondiale) 4hr 00min 55sec,
2. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL/Omega) same time,
3. Tony Gallopin (FRA/Cofidis) s.t.,
4. Romain Hardy (FRA/Bretagne Schuller) s.t.,
5. Christophe Le Mevel (FRA/Francaise des Jeux) s.t.

General classification
1. Tony Gallopin (FRA/Cofidis) 10hr 28min 46sec,
2. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL/Omega) at 02sec,
3. Maxime Bouet (FRA/AG2R La Mondiale) 6,
4. Haimar Zubeldia (ESP/Team Radioshack) 7,
5. Wilco Kelderman (NED/Rabobank) 7

Article: AFP
Photo (File): CorVos