Riders from the Tour of Alberta battled single digit temperatures and rain during stage three of the race from Grande Cache to Miette Hot Springs, Sept. 4.
As they neared Jasper National Park the sun finally broke through the clouds offering reprieve for the final 24 km of the race.
The race was close during the final 15 km climb to the summit of Miette Rd., but it was Dutch cyclist Tom-Jelte Slagter who came out on top winning the stage with a time of 4:28:18. He also earned the green jersey for the best sprinter during the stage.
Second to cross the finish line was Dutch cyclist Bauke Mollema followed by British cyclist Adam Yates in third, who crossed the finish line six seconds behind the leader.
Mollema is now the overall leader of the race and will wear the yellow jersey for tomorrow's race up Marmot Rd.
Yates sits in second overall and was also awarded the white jersey for fastest rider under 24 with a time of 9:01:34.
Michael Woods, from Ottawa, briefly took the lead during the final three kilometres of the race, but fell back finishing fifth, nine seconds behind the leader. He was the fastest Canadian of the day.
The Canadian with the best cumulative time was Ryder Hesjedal, from Victoria, B.C., who was given the red and white jersey.
Canada's Benjamin Perry was named king of the mountain.
The most competitive rider of the day was Jasper Bovenhuis, from the Netherlands, who was given the blue jersey.
Team Cannondale - Garmin, from the Netherlands, was named the best overall team.
Paul Clarke
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