Gaudu outshines Thomas with Tour of Romandie 3rd stage win

France's David Gaudu put a host of big names, including Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas, in the shade when he climbed to victory on the third stage of the Tour of Romandie on Friday

The 22-year-old also moved into second place in the overall standings behind Primoz Roglic after pipping the Slovenian and Rui Costa in a sprint finish on the final climb at Romont.

Thomas, one of the race favourites, was in sight of victory at one stage but he almost collided with Michael Woods and his chance was gone, the Welshman eventually classified in 14th place, just 0.3sec behind the French rider.

"I felt good all race but I didn't believe too much," said Gaudu.

"I just told myself that until the end and until I pass the line, victory is not possible, that someone will catch me."

VIDEO: 2019 Tour de Romandie Stage 3 Highlights

2019 Tour de Romandie Stage 3 Top 10

1 David Gaudu (Fra) Groupama-FDJ 3:50:53 
2 Rui Costa (Por) UAE Team Emirates   
3 Primoz Roglic (Slo) Team Jumbo-Visma   
4 Michael Woods (Can) EF Education First   
5 Felix Großschartner (Aut) Bora-Hansgrohe   
6 Guillaume Martin (Fra) Wanty-Gobert 0:00:03 
7 Emanuel Buchmann (Ger) Bora-Hansgrohe   
8 Davide Villella (Ita) Astana Pro Team   
9 Carl Fredrik Hagen (Nor) Lotto Soudal   
10 Damien Howson (Aus) Mitchelton-Scott 

2019 Tour de Romandie GC after Stage 3

1 Primoz Roglic (Slo) Team Jumbo-Visma 12:23:02 
2 David Gaudu (Fra) Groupama-FDJ 0:00:06 
3 Rui Costa (Por) UAE Team Emirates 0:00:08 
4 Felix Großschartner (Aut) Bora-Hansgrohe 0:00:19 
5 Geraint Thomas (GBr) Team Ineos 0:00:20 
6 Carlos Betancur (Col) Movistar Team 0:00:21 
7 Damien Howson (Aus) Mitchelton-Scott 0:00:25 
8 Steven Kruijswijk (Ned) Team Jumbo-Visma 0:00:27 
9 Michael Woods (Can) EF Education First 0:00:28 
10 Emanuel Buchmann (Ger) Bora-Hansgrohe 0:00:29