Thanks for joining me for stage three.

What a performance from Julian Alaphillipe who wins his third ever stage at the Tour de France after a devastating attack near the summit of the Cote de Mutigny before soloing to victory.

Not so good for defending champion Geraint Thomas though, who lost five seconds in the final dash for the line.

But you can read all about that in our report, which is building here.

See you all tomorrow for stage four.

Image source, Getty Images

Julian Alaphilippe after winning the third stage at the Tour de France: "I didn't plan to go solo. I’m speechless. I don’t realise what’s happening to me. I knew this stage suited me. I managed to avoid any pitfalls and crashes.

"I felt good so I accelerated in the Mutigny climb but I didn’t think I’d go alone.

"I gave everything. I heard I was 30 or 40 seconds ahead. It’s difficult to meet the expectations being the favourite. I made it. I’m delighted."

Not good news for Geraint Thomas. It looks like he was cvaught out on the final sprint and has lost about five seconds in the GC to his Ineos co-leader Egan Bernal and Thibaut Pinot.

1. Julian Alaphilippe (Fra/Deceuninck-Quick Step) 4hrs 40mins 29secs
2. Michael Matthews (Aus/Sunweb) +26secs
3. Jasper Stuyven (Bel/Trek-Segafredo) Same time
4. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel/CCC) "
5. Peter Sagan (Slo/Bora-Hansgrohe) "
6. Matteo Trentin (Ita/Mitchelton-Scott) "
7. Sonny Colbrelli (Ita/Bahrain Merida) "
8. Xandro Meurisse (Bel/Wandy-Groupe Gobert) "
9. Wout van Aert (Bel/Jumbo-Visma) "
10. Thibaut Pinot (Fra/Groupama-FDJ) "

Julian Alaphilippe may be a marked man at the Tour this year but how do you stop him in that form?

No wonder he's the top-ranked male road rider in the world.

Like French riders Richard Virenque and Laurent Jalabert before him, he has the capacity to light up the race and delight his home crowd.

The current wearer of the jersey Mike Teunissen is still on his way in to the finish at Epernay.

The Jumbo-Visma man has had day.

Mission accomplished. Julian Alaphilippe will pull on the yellow jersey on Tuesday. Sensational.

Image source, Getty Images

Julian Alaphilippe's face is etched with pain but he's going to win his third stage in the Tour de France.

Julian Alaphilippe is chasing the yellow jersey here.

It could be touch and go.

Julian Alaphilippe shakes his legs as he begins the descent into Epernay.

The Frenchman is looking good for another stage win at the Tour de France.

Ineos are now at the front of the peloton, controlling the chase but so to is three-time world champion Peter Sagan.

Julian Alaphilippe is going deep. He's hurting but still has a 35 second lead to the peloton...who are closing.

He's got a 300m-400m climb to go before the descent into Epernay begins.

Michael Woods, Max Schachmann, Alexey Lutsenko and Mikel Landa are having a pull to try and rein in Julian Alaphilippe but to no avail.

They are caught by the main group, while Alaphilippe powers on.

Julian Alaphilippe is in full flow here. He's constructed a 800m lead in no time at all and has a one minute and 18 lead over yellow jersey holder, Mike Teunissen, who was dropped on that last climb.

Can anyone match that attack from the Deceuninck-Quick Step rider, Julian Alaphilippe?

The Jumbo-Visma boys look like they are rallying and defending champion Geraint Thomas has come to the front of the peloton to take a look, but I can't imagine he will take up the chase.

Julian Alaphilippe and Jakob Fuglsang are pushing. And the Frenchman has gone. He didn't ahve any teammates to support him but is absolutely motoring now as he crests the Cote de Mutigny, a wheel length behind Tim Wellens.

The Lotto-Soudal rider is sitting up and takes his feet off the pedals. Looks like he needs a bike change after all that effort. His legs look like jelly.

Tim Wellens advantage is now a touch over 30 seconds as he makes his way up the Cote de Mutigny.

Marc: I'm going for an Alejandro Valverde win. He will set his attack mode to 100% and win in the rainbow jersey!

Image source, @sunshinepaz