Taaramae in control in Turkey

Istanbul - Estonian rider Rein Taaramae took the overall lead in the Tour of Turkey with victory in the third stage from Finike to Elmali on Tuesday.

Taaramae, who rides for Cofidis, finished the 185km ride six seconds ahead of Britain's Adam Yates, with his team-mate, Frenchman Romain Hardy, third, 38sec off the pace.

It saw him overhaul another British rider, Mark Cavendish, who had won both of the opening two stages on the flat, in the overall standings.

Wednesday's fourth stage is a 132km ride from Fethiye to Marmaris.

Results:

Stage

1. Rein Taaramae (EST/Cofidis) 5hr 40min 31sec, 2. Adam Yates (GBR/OGE) at 6sec, 3. Romain Hardy (FRA/Cofidis) at 38, 4. Merhawi Kudus (ERI/MTN) same time, 5. Davide Rebellin (ITA/CCC) same time

Overall

1. Taaramae 12hr 46min 31sec, 2. Yates at 6sec, 3. Hardy at 38, 4. Luis-Leon Sanchez Gil (ESP/CJR) same time, 5. Merhawi Kudus (ERI/MTN) same time