Hermans takes over in queen stage of Arctic Race of Norway

Ben Hermans of Israel Start-Up Nation held firm on the Malselv uphill finish to take the third stage and overall lead in the Arctic Race of Norway.

Ben Hermans wins Stage 3 of the Arctic Race of Norway Source: Getty Images

Hermans finished in front of Odd Christian Eiking (Intermarche-Wanty) and Victor Lafay (Cofidis) at the line; overtaking previous race leader Alexander Kristoff in the process.

Kristoff’s struggles were expected on the hilly, 184.5-kilometre route that featured a long loop around the island of Senja.

Hermans, Eiking and Lafay shook off Kristoff and co. in the final 3.7km to the finish – the ascent separating the best climbers from the peloton.

The Belgian used his knowledge of the finish to time his attack with 500 metres to go and, much to his delight, the gamble paid dividends.

“I won here also in 2015 and I’ve replayed the finish many times when I was riding on the rollers because it was so surprising that I won,” Hermans said.

“I knew that some guys who were there with me were more explosive than me and that’s why I went at 500m, at 95%, almost all out, knowing that I could match them in the sprint after the corner.

“If you have good legs and you start with 250m to go, with all you have, it’s very difficult to pass.

“It was good I knew this finish.”

Watch the final stage of the Arctic Race of Norway LIVE via SBS On Demand from 10:50pm (AEST) tonight.