Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Iljo Keisse and seven other riders tried to prevent another bunch sprint in the 173.7km third stage of Franco-Belgie/Tour de Wallonie Picarde on Saturday, but the peloton managed to pull the escape group back with 1.5km to go. 

OPQS, however, still wanted to contest the finish and also protect Guillaume Van Keirsbulck, who was 3rd in GC heading into the stage. Marcel Kittel (Argos-Shimano) won again, with Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ-BigMat) placing 2nd and Andrea Guardini (Farnese Vini-Selle Italia) taking 3rd.

OPQS rider Andrew Fenn, once again, finished in the top 10 in 10th place.

Van Keirsbulck remains in 3rd, down 13" on race leader Jurgen Roelandts (Lotto-Belisol).