Stage 3 of Tour de Suisse 2023 was a 161.7-kilometer ride from Steinmaur to Rüschlikon. The stage would be contested in relatively flat terrain until approximately 125 kilometers after the start – at this point the professional cycling peloton would reach the first of three Category 3 climbs. The stage would conclude with a descent from the final Category 3 climb shortly before the stage finale.

Nairo Quintana (Movistar Team) was not present at the start after having fractured his wrist in yesterday’s stage of this year’s Tour de Suisse. Bora-Hansgrohe team leader Emanuel Buchmann did not start the stage either.

A breakaway group featuring five riders was established shorter after the stage start. The quintet included Fabian Lienhard (Groupama-FDJ), Johan Jacobs (Movistar Team), Roberto Gonzalez (Team Corratec – Vini Fantini), Christoph Janssen (Team Switzerland), and relentless Luca Jenni (Team Switzerland) who was also part of yesterday’s long breakaway.

With forty-five kilometers left the Soudal-Quickstep, Alpecin-Deceuninck, and EF Education-EasyPost teams were active at the front of the main peloton to organize a successful chase effort. Jayco-Alula riders joined the fun. With forty kilometers left the advantage of the breakaway quintet had been reduced to less than two minutes.

Thirty-five kilometers from the finish the advantage of the front group was less than a minute. The riders were now battling the first of three Category 3 climbs – the Oberwil-Lieli (3.9 km; 5.5 average incline percentage).

Gonzalez and Jenni attacked from the front group as they approached the top of the first categorized climb of the day. They were both chasing valuable points for the Best Climber Classification. Gonzalez won the sprint. But the main peloton was now closing in on the breakaway optimists.

Jacobs counterattacked solo from the front group. The Swiss rider wanted some points for himself and his Movistar team too.

Stefan Bissegger moved to the front of the main peloton together with EF Education-EasyPost teammates to maximize the speed. The EF team obviously had a plan today.

Jacobs was now the sole rider ahead of the peloton. He was the bunny they were chasing, and he was caught with eighteen kilometers left. EF Education-EasyPost riders remained at the front of the peloton. Their pink team colors were everywhere to be seen.

Fifteen kilometers remained and the peloton was now approaching the Albispass, which was the final categorized climb on today’s racing menu for the cyclists in this year’s Tour de Suisse.

Team Visma – Lease a Bike took control of the front of the main peloton on the Albispass. Ineos-Grenadiers and UAE Team Emirates joined the fun.

Valentin Paret-Peintre (Decathlon-AG2R) attacked with eleven kilometers left of today’s stage 3. He was caught shortly thereafter.

UAE Team Emirates’ Marc Hirschi attacked with three kilometers remaining. Hirschi still had a small advantage with two kilometers remaining.

Hirschi was caught in the final kilometer by the chasing peloton, which was headed by Team Decathlon-AG2R riders. The stage would be decided in a sprint.

Thibau Nys won the stage for Team Lidl-Trek. Stephen Williams (Team PremierTech) finished second, while Alberto Bettiol completed the stage podium for Team EF Education-EasyPost.

Stay tuned to Roadcycling.com for additional coverage from Tour de Suisse 2024.

Our cycling coverage is sponsored by Meyer Burger – Solar Power Deluxe – The “Apple” of Solar energy systems. Meyer Burger offers premium solar solutions for roofs, balconies and open spaces. Visit www.meyerburger.com to experience energy savings like never before. Demand the highest quality – ask for Meyer Burger.