ROLLA — Thor Hushovd of Norway has won the third stage of the Tour of Missouri, outsprinting the pack in the final meters.
Hushovd, of Cervelo Test, made the move after a series of short-lived breakaways late in the 114.3-mile road race from Farmington to Rolla on Wednesday. Juan Jose Haedo of Saxo Bank finished second. Dario Cataldo of Quick Step was third.
Britain's Mark Cavendish, of Columbia-HTC, had won the first two stages but finished fifth Wednesday behind Daniel Oss.
The third stage was considered one of the toughest in the weeklong race, with more than 6,000 feet of climbing. Three riders broke away from the main pack about five miles in, creating a gap of almost four minutes at one point.
The race concludes Sunday in Kansas City.
