The Tour de France 2010 moved into Stage 3 on Tuesday, a 132-mile stretch beginning in Wanze, Belgium. This section was always going to be tough as there were several sections on cobblestones which tested the cyclists, both mentally and physically, especially after the treacherous race conditions on Monday.

Fabian Cancellera is now the race leader after finishing in sixth, according to Juliet Macur on the New York Times. Behind him, 23 seconds behind, in second position overall is Britain’s Geraint Thomas. Third place in the current standings belongs to Australia’s Cadel Evans. Tuesday’s stage was won by Thor Hushovd.

Lance Armstrong was expected to do well in Stage 3 but the seven-times winner fell from 5th to 18th in the overall standings. If you want to take a look at the full standings go to the official Tour de France 2010 website here. There was bad news for Andy Schleck as although he is now sixth overall, his brother Frank will take no further part in the Tour after breaking his collarbone. Today’s Stage 4 starts at Cambrai ending in Reims.

For more on Stage 3 go to the nytimes.com. You can follow the Tour de France on Google Earth and if you’d like details see here. What stage are you most looking forward to watching this year? We’d be interested to hear your thoughts about this.

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