Following the lone day off in The Alaska Challenge, an eight-stage handcycle race, Kenny Herriott of Scotland picked up where he left off.
Herriott dominated Stage 3, a 46.2-miler from Ester to Nenana on Thursday that marked the race's first long road stage, when he clocked 2 hours, 29 minutes, 29 seconds.
Herriott finished about 13 minutes faster than runner-up David Neumer (2:42:26) of Tennessee and his cumulative time of 3:43:40 through three stages has earned him an overall lead of nearly 17 minutes on Neumer (4:00:20).
Herriott, 53, won Tuesday's first two stages of the 28th edition of the race, setting the pace in the 9.8-mile time trial and the 45-minute criterium.
Muffy Davis of Utah and Ryan Kelling of Washington tied for third in Wednesday's stage, each clocking 3:18:55, 10 seconds ahead of Andrew Kurka of Palmer.
Overall, Kurka sits third with a total time of 4:41:39, Kelling is fourth at 4:44:39 and Davis, the top woman, is fifth at 4:47:44.
Friday's Stage 4 is a 50.7-mile leg that is the second-longest stage in an event that covers roughly 250 miles. The journey from Nenana to Healy includes an elevation gain of about 1,200 feet.
The 10-racer field Saturday faces two stages, a 9.8-mile time trial in Denali Park, followed by a 31.8-mile road leg. Sunday brings the longest stage of the Challenge at 58.4 miles, and the race wraps Monday with a 19-mile climb from Palmer to Hatcher Pass.
The Alaska Challenge
8-stage handcycle race
Overall results through 3 stages
Women – 1) Muffy Davis 4:47:44; 2) Ashli Molinero 5:46:08.
Men's H2 – 1) Ryan Kelling 4:44:39; 2) Anthony Pedeferri 5:20:03.
Men's H3 – 1) Kenny Herriott 3:43:40 (overall leader); 2) Wesley Bergin 5:13:53.
Men's H4 – 1) David Neumer 4:00:20; 2) Andrew Kurka 4:41:25; 3) Keith Winchell 4:50:22; 4) Mike O'Neill 5:20:54.
Thursday's Stage 3
Ester to Nenana, 46.2 miles
Women – 1) Muffy Davis 3:18:55; 2) Ashli Molinero 3:56:41.
Men's H2 – 1) Ryan Kelling 3:18:55; 2) Anthony Pedeferri 3:51:27.
Men's H3 – 1) Kenny Herriott 2:29:29; 2) Wesley Bergin 5:13:53.
Men's H4 – 1) David Neumer 2:42:26; 2) Andrew Kurka 3:19:05; 3) Keith Winchell 3:24:40; 4) Mike O'Neill 3:45:36.