French FDJ rider Mattieu Ladagnous took the third stage of the Tour du Limousin after outsprinting compatriot Samuel Dumoulin to the line.

Belgium's Bjorn Leukemans held on to the lead in the general classification, finishing four seconds off the pace in the main bunch. Ladagnous rose to third in the overall standings, 13 seconds adrift.

The 181km stage from Lanouaille to St Yrieix La Perche contained three low-category climbs, but they failed to split the leading riders apart as a close finish ensued.

Cofidis brought the bunch back together after an early breakaway, and despite an attempt from AG2R's Blel Kadri to break for the line 12km, his 60-second advantage was reeled in before the line. Ladagnous and Dumoulin were separated by just six-tenths of a second, but it was the Cofidis rider who had to settle for second place.

The four-stage event concludes tomorrow with a 180km stage between the lakes of Haute Charente and Limoges.

Eurosport