Stage 3: Oyonnax > Lélex Monts-Jura
The final stage of the Tour de l’Ain delivered a demanding mountain test, with seven classified climbs set to decide the overall race. Development Team Picnic PostNL was represented in the day’s early breakaway by Ulrik Tvedt, who was part of an eight-rider move that established itself soon after the start. Tvedt eventually lost contact with the leaders as the stage progressed, as the front group steadily reduced in size over the successive climbs. By the summit of the penultimate ascent, only two riders remained out front, although both were reeled in before the final climb. The decisive move came on the last ascent, where a select group of nine riders, including race leader Beloki, forged clear. Just behind, Chris Hamilton rode strongly in a small chasing group. In the uphill sprint to the finish, Mariault took the stage victory. Hamilton finished second in the sprint from the chasing group to finish 11th on the stage.