Filipino Merculio Ramos Jr overcame other cyclists to win the 128km third stage of the Binh Duong Television International Cycling Tour from Khanh Hoa's Da Nang City to Quang Ngai City yesterday, March 11.

Filipino Merculio Ramos Jr. (Photo: The Thao Viet Nam)

Merculio reached a top speed of almost 44.066kmh during the stage which he finished in 2:54.17 to overcome as many as 75 cyclists competing for the title from 12 local and three foreign teams – Mongolia, the Netherlands and the Philippines.

Do Tuan Anh of Domesco Dong Thap brought home the yellow jersey with the best overall time of six hours, 20 minutes and 50 seconds, although he didn't win this stage.

The Domesco Dong Thap team leads the team competition after three stages with a combined time of 19:03.43, followed by Sai Gon Plant Protection 1 and ADC Vinh Long Television team.

Today, cyclists will pedal for the 179km fourth race from Quang Ngai City to Binh Dinh Province's Quy Nhon City.

The nine-stage event, which offers total prize money of VND220 million (US$11,000), has been recognised by the Viet Nam Cycling Federation as a national tour.

Last year, Hall Brad of the Netherlands' Ysselstreek team won the yellow jersey for the best overall time.

Source: VietNamNet/Viet Nam News