Haedo shines in Schimmert

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Sprinter Juan Jose Haedo (Saxo Bank) took home his second victory of the season, winning the third stage of the Ster ZLM Tour in Nuth over Giacomo Nizzolo (Leopard Trek) and Anthony Roux (FDJ).

"The stage developed perfectly for us and I'm truly proud to be able to round it off by winning the stage on this very tough course. I couldn't have done it without Michael (Mørkøv) and Jonas (Aaen) helping in the finale. They were there for me all the way and delivered me in a perfect position for the sprint and a stage win for the team," said Haedo.

HTC-Highroad's Patrick Gretsch held onto the leader's jersey, although the bonus seconds awarded in the sprints eroded his lead, which now stands at just four seconds over Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Cervélo).

The stage again featured a long breakaway, with Cornelius Van Ooijen (Cyclingteam Jo Piels), Cédric Pineau (FDJ), Michael Vanderaerden (Donckers Koffie - Jelly Belly) and Steven Van Vooren (Topsport Vlaanderen) gaining a maximum lead of 10 minutes. Pineau moved himself into the lead in the climber's classification by winning four of the five sprints on offer.

The Vacansoleil-DCM team was determined to bring the race back for a bunch sprint, and the three leaders could not resist the efforts. They finally conceded after the fourth climb, the Gulpenberg, still with more than 50km of racing in the marathon 202km stage.

Joost Leijen (Vacansoleil) and Gianni Meersman (FDJ) were the next to have a go, and the pair stayed clear until just after the day's final climb.

Philippe Gilbert revisited his Amstel Gold victory by winning the final points at the mountain sprint atop the Cauberg behind the two leaders, who were caught shortly thereafter.

His efforts pulled away a group of about 15 riders, but the Garmin-Cervélo team helped keep the breakaway in check. Twelve men stayed away during the closing circuits, but when Team Sky pitched in with the pace-making in the peloton, the break was caught with 5km left to go.

Saxo Bank led in the final kilometre, and despite a brief foray off the front from Gilbert, the team was able to deliver Haedo to the stage victory.

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