AJ August secured back-to-back stage victories to extend his overall lead at Czech Tour following a strong team performance from Netcompany INEOS.
August patiently bided his time in the final kilometres before attacking a dwindling peloton inside the final kilometre before kicking again near the line to beat near rival Alessandro Fancellu (MBH Bank CSB Telecom Fort).
The result means August starts the final stage on Sunday with an 11 second advantage over Fancellu, with Domenico Pozzovivo (Solution Tech NIPPO Rali) third (+23”). Embret Svestad-Bårdseng finished sixth on the stage to move up to eighth overall.
The stage began with a minute’s silence to mark the tragic passing of Finlay Tarling before the riders departed Pardubice.
Once the early break had escaped, Netcompany INEOS took responsibility for controlling the race with Oscar Rodriguez, Ben Swift and Bob Jungels key in ensuring the break was in check.
The catch was made on the first part of the final category one climb, when Ben Turner, Svestad-Bårdseng and Jack Haig were able to keep a strong pace and deter any attacks from behind.
August then took the initiative, attacking his rivals in the final kilometre to reduce the lead group to three, before accelerating again to distance Fancellu and extend his overall lead with one stage remaining.
Reaction
AJ August
“Today’s stage was quite similar to yesterday in the way it played out, the climb was steep but came down to the final kilometres. It was really good for me to keep the yellow jersey, but even better for me to win the stage.
“For sure, Alessandro and I are on a similar level, there wasn’t much between us either day. Today it was all up to us to control the race, and I expect more of that tomorrow.”
Highlights
Back-to-back wins! 🙌 Andrew August pips Alessandro Fancellu to the line to win Stage 3 of the Czech Tour 👏 pic.twitter.com/Y40NTb2Xh0
— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) August 15, 2026