Soria (Spain) (AFP)

The stage for Dan Martin, the red for Primoz Roglic: third of the first two stages, the 34-year-old Irishman won Thursday at the top of the Laguna Negra the third stage of the Tour of Spain ahead of the Slovenian Primoz Roglic, still leader of the race.

The 34-year-old Irishman (Israel SN), who hadn't raised his arms since winning the 2018 Tour de France more than two years ago, dominated the red Primoz Roglic (Jumbo -Visma) and comes back to 5 seconds from the Slovenian in the general, in the bonus game.

"I think a lot about my wife. This is my first victory since the birth of my baby," reacted, very moved, Dan Martin after the arrival.

He had already raised his arms once in the Vuelta, nine years ago.

Unsurprisingly in a mostly flat course, everything was decided in the final climb, the ascent of the Laguna Negra, an unprecedented first category pass (8.6 km at 5.8% average), and especially in the last kilometer, with slopes of up to 10%.

Third place went to the Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz (Ineos), already third in the general classification before the start of this 3rd stage, and who is now 13 seconds behind the red jersey.

Roglic, Martin, Carapaz: the three riders confirmed their status as strong men at the start of Vuelta by standing out in the sprint from the rest of the favorites, foremost among which the Dutchman Wout Poels, 4th in the stage at 4 seconds .

- Pinot gives up -

The final ascent was marked by mechanical problems for two outsiders, the winner of the day before, Marc Soler, 10th overall before the stage, and Colombian Esteban Chaves, 4th overall on Thursday morning, who had to change bikes. in the climb and conceded 45 seconds and 1 minute and 6 seconds respectively to the winner of the day.

This climb was also the opportunity to see the Briton Chris Froome, quadruple winner of the Tour de France and already behind for his last race in the Ineos jersey, take a strong relay 5 kilometers from the summit.

The stage started without the Frenchman Thibaut Pinot, injured in the back and left behind overall in the first stage, which put an end to his season.

Two of his compatriots, Kenny Elissonde (Trek) then Clément Champoussin (AG2R La Mondiale) tried to light wicks in the final ascent, but these were quickly extinguished by the teams of the favorites, including the model teammate. by Primoz Roglic, the American Sepp Kuss.

The favorites wanted to fight for the win, they won.

© 2020 AFP