Yellow jersey holder Bradley McGee and compatriot Robbie McEwen lead the way as the Tour embarks on the third stage

The riders enter the picturesque French countryside as they leave Charleville-M�zi�res

A three-man group comprising of Carlos Da Cruz, Unai Etxebarria and Maryan Haryand break away from the field after 33km

A spectator enjoys the weather and some typical French food and wine as the peloton breezes by

US Postal's Lance Armstrong takes up his position safely in the peloton during the third stage

Frenchman Anthony Geslin of Brioches la Boulangere makes a bold bid to leave the pack after 83 kilometres

The peloton winds its way through the countryside in pursuit of Geslin, who starts to build a sizeable lead

Australia's Bradley McGee, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, takes up a comfortable position within the field

A number of cyclists are forced to take evasive action due to protests by French arts industry workers

The peloton sweeps through corn fields as the majority of the riders close in on breakaway leader Geslin

The riders move into Saint-Dizier with Alessandro Petacchi hitting the front to claim his second stage win

Jean-Patrick Nazon celebrates becoming the first Frenchman since Francois Simon in 2001 to wear the leader's yellow jersey