Miyazawa takes the stage for Japan

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Japanese rider Takashi Miyazawa claimed the win in the first bunch sprint finish of this year's Tour de Taiwain on stage three in Chang Hua. The win moved Miyazawa into the lead on the points classification.

Local hero Feng Chun Kai climbed into the red polka dot jersey of the king of the mountain on the 136km circuit, while overall leader David McCann (Giant Asia) kept the yellow jersey.

Miyazawa gave a loud shout as his wheel crossed the finish line a whisker ahead of Suzuki Shinri (Shimano Racing Team) and Dean Downing (Rapha Condor Sharp). The Japanese National Team rider handed his country its second stage after Shimizu Miyataka from Team Bridgestone Anchor had taken stage two from Chiayi City Hall to Fengtien Temple.

"Last year, I had some problems with the direction and did not do well even though I was in good shape. But this year, I am more determined," said the 32-year-old Miyazawa, who also took the sprinter's green jersey from David McCann of the Giant Asia Racing Team following his stage win.

While Miyazawa's coup resulted in the reward of the points jersey, the stage had been marked by a three-man attack that held court over the race from the 25th kilometre. Unfortunately for Bartolmiej Matysiak (CCC Polkowice), Jake Rytlewski (Kenda Pro Cycling p/b Geargrinder) and their companion their brave escape was brought to a close after 111 kilometres, and just 600 metres before the line.

Miyazawa, Downing and Shinri managed to scoot away from the peloton in the closing metres of the stage and the trio enjoyed a slim two second lead over a splintered peloton at the line, with Miyazawa taking the sprint.

While McCann might have lost the sprint leader's green jersey on the day, he will still be in the yellow for stage four tomorrow in Taichung City when he finished the day among the front pack.

"The plan was not to do too much work and make the other teams do more of the work instead," added McCann. "The climb was not difficult and tomorrow, it will be a short, flat race which should give us enough rest for the harder climb the day after (in Miaoli)."

The blue jersey for the best-ranked Asian rider is still with Hong Kong's Cheung King Wei, who had a little more work to do to keep a close watch on his nearest challenger Chun Kai.

Chun Kai of the ACTION Cycling Team said afterwards through his team manager Hus Jui Te, the aim of the team today was indeed the king of the mountain jersey which has been worn by Malaysia's Rezuan Zainal for the last two days.

"Our target was to take the KOM shirt today and we did just that when we planned our attack just before the Merida factory (at the 23km mark).

"My teammates led me out and that allowed me to be in front. We hope that we will have the chance to win the yellow jersey next."