Petr Rikunov (in yellow) pedals to the finish line of the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament's third stage on April 5.

HÒA BÌNH — Petr Rikunov secured an early winning hattrick after taking his third stage victory of the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament on April 5.

The Russian rider of Lộc Trời Group's strong sprint left two Vietnamese leading athletes Lê Nguyệt Minh of HCM City New Group and Trần Tuấn Kiệt of Domesco Đồng Tháp behind to keep the yellow jersey for the overall leader.

The tough second stage on April 4 forced nearly 2/3 athletes out of the tournament. However, it seemed not easier for the rest in the third stage of 52.8km around Hòa Bình City of Hòa Bình Province.

The short distance and flat terrain helped riders speed up early, creating consecutive attacks with a view to separate from the whole bunch.

Hà Thanh Tâm of Pelio Kenda Đồng Nai successfully won the first Sprint before Nguyễn Phạm Quốc Khang of Le Fruit Đồng Nai took the second one, earning five points each.

Rikunov, Minh, Kiệt and 'secret weapon' Martin Laas of 620 Nông Nghiệp Vĩnh Long cycled fast in the last kilometres to set a top four group of the race.

Cyclist take part in the third stage around Hòa Bình City on April 5.

But it was powerful Rikunov to cross the finish line first thanked to his furiously pedalling.

His outstanding performance also helped him to keep the blue jersey for the point leader.

Nguyễn Hoàng Sang of Le Fruit Đồng Nai is the best Vietnamese rider while Phạm Lê Xuân Lộc from Military Zone 7 is the best young athlete.

Despite his win, Rikunov could not lift his club on top of the team ranking. They are third behind HCM City Vinama and Le Fruit Đồng Nai.

The fourth stage is from Hòa Bình to Hà Nội on 124km. VNS