Follow cyclingfans on Twitter and never miss a race. Cyclingfans.com: The #1 destination on the internet for live race coverage.

- Note:  High resolution versions of all photos can be viewed by clicking the "high resolution" link under each photo.

The peloton rides through the countryside on Stage 3 from Vierzon to Lac de Vassivière
- Click for high resolution -
photo Copyright © 2012 Fotoreporter Sirotti/cyclingfans.com

More photos below

An early 3-man breakaway consisted of Jimmy Engoulvent (Saur-Sojasun),
Roy Curvers (Project 1t4i) and Michael Morkov (Saxo Bank).
- Click for high resolution -
photo Copyright © 2012 Fotoreporter Sirotti/cyclingfans.com

Race leader Bradley Wiggins (Sky Procycling) in the peloton
- Click for high resolution -
photo Copyright © 2012 Fotoreporter Sirotti/cyclingfans.com

The breakaway would not quite make it to the end...
- Click for high resolution -
photo Copyright © 2012 Fotoreporter Sirotti/cyclingfans.com

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), right, edges Simon Gerrans (GreenEdge) for the stage victory
- Click for high resolution -
photo Copyright © 2012 Fotoreporter Sirotti/cyclingfans.com

Valverde
- Click for high resolution -
photo Copyright © 2012 Fotoreporter Sirotti/cyclingfans.com

Valverde on the podium
- Click for high resolution -
photo Copyright © 2012 Fotoreporter Sirotti/cyclingfans.com