Stage 3 – 2015 Pierra Menta: Carter & Elson 15th, Lenzi & Eydalin won again, Roux & Miro as well

Today’s stage went around Pierra Menta, the peak, and is traditionally the longest stage of the race.

Stage 3

Top 3 men finished in the same order as yesterday except the time gaps were much smaller. Damiano Lenzi & Matteo Eydalin won by less than a minute in front of the home favourites William Bon Mardion & Xavier Gachet. Third, like yesterday, were Robert Antonioli with Michele Boscacci.
Women’s top 3 was also the same as yesterday but only a minute was separating the second and third teams. Win went to Laetitia Roux & Mireia Miro, second to Emelie Forsberg & Axelle Mollaret, an third to Jennifer Flechter & Severine Pont Combe.
Tomorrow, is the last stage of this 30th edition of Pierra Menta.
» Full results – stage 3

North Americans:

I got super excited this morning as I read Eric’s email before the results were fully released. They, with Nick Elson, came in 15th in today’s stage which moved them to 16th overall! Read further below about their day.
Melanie Bernier with her Norwegian partner repeated their 6th place from yesterday and are 7th overall by only about 35 seconds.
Nick Francis and Nick Bunce improved today once again and crossed the line at 132nd. They are in 133rd position overall.
Quote from Eric:

Hard day today but amazing stage going by Pierra Menta!
First few huge climbs felt good and we got into a good position. Descents were less stressful than yesterday but still extremely icy and difficult. I struggled a bit descending, especially the big ones but Nick was strong and led us well. Sun came out on the final climb and really drained us but we held position. The last descent into town was nuts – super low snow, crazy steep tight gullies around rocks and traverses over patches of dirt. Lots of spectators today.
Tomorrow will be hard. Major recovery time now. Whew…