FABIAN Cancellara from Switzerland caught four breakaway riders with just seconds to spare to win stage three of Le Tour de France between Waregem and Compiegne.

The yellow jersey holder and Time-Trial World Champion attacked in the final kilometre, overhauled the leading quartet with 500 metres to go and used his time-trialling skills to hold off the sprinters.

Stephane Auge, one of the four earlier attackers, had the consolation of taking the King of the Mountains jersey from David Millar, after he was first over the day’s only climb.

Britain's Mark Cavendish finished ninth, after crashing twice in the previous two stages.

* SEE THIS WEEK'S KENT MESSENGER FOR A 24-PAGE SPECIAL REPORT ON THE FIRST STAGE OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE.