Aussie rules third lap; Meijers keeps overall lead

LEGAZPI CITY—Australian Samuel Hill exploited the flat layout going into this city famed for the iconic view of Mayon Volcano and soloed it home to rule the third stage of the 10th Le Tour de Filipinas Sunday.

Hill arrived at the finish in front of the Divine Word College without the added stress of sprinting against his closest pursuers after leaving Filipino riders Dominic Perez and Mark Galedo behind late in the 187.3-kilometer route from Daet, Camarines Norte.

Jeroen Meijers of the Netherlands arrived together in a big wave in fourth spot and kept the purple jersey of overall leadership on his back.

Meijers sat on the peloton throughout and kept an eye on his closest pursuers.

After winning the opening stage in Tagaytay City, the climber representing Taiyuan Miogee Cycling Team maintained his 45-second advantage over Singapore’s Choon Huat Goh.

“We have two more days to go. I have to watch out for the attacks and protect the purple jersey,” said Meijers, whose recent best finish was third overall in the general classification of the Tour of Taiyuan in China two weeks ago.

Monday’s fourth stage is a 176-km ride from this city going to Gubat, Sorsogon, and back.

The Tour ends Tuesday in Legazpi City with a rolling trip expected to be made difficult by strong winds as riders venture into Donsol, Sorsogon and back.

Aussie Angus Lyons remained in third spot, 1:38 behind.