Julian Alaphilippe wins stage three of Tour of California

Julian Alaphilippe produced an astounding late burst to claim victory on stage three of the Tour of California.

The Frenchman, riding for Etixx - Quick-Step, hauled in leader Peter Stetina inside the final 500m and sprinted to victory at the summit finish on Gibraltar Road.

Stetina had appeared set for victory, breaking clear of the remaining leaders inside the final 3km, but his bid for glory was denied in spectacular fashion by Alaphilippe, who finished second overall in California last season.

Trek-Segafredo climber Stetina held on for second place ahead of George Bennett (LottoNL-Jumbo) and Brent Bookwalter (BMC Racing).

The stage proved costly for Team Sky, with team leader Peter Kennaugh taken to hospital with an apparent collarbone injury after a crash inside the final 25km.

Alaphilippe's burst was enough to secure the overall lead as well, by 19 seconds from Stetina, with Monday's stage winner Ben King (Cannondale) having been dropped before the final climb.

Stage 3 result:

1 Julian Alaphilippe (Fra) Etixx - Quick-Step 4h 36m 59s

2 Peter Stetina (USA) Trek-Segafredo +15s

3 George Bennett (NZl) LottoNL-Jumbo +25s

4 Brent Bookwalter (USA) BMC Racing +27s

5 Neilson Powless (USA) Axeon Hagens Berman +30s