Nevers (France) (AFP) - Matteo Jorgenson helped power Visma-Lease a Bike to victory in the third stage of the Paris-Nice race on Tuesday, a team time-trial around the town of Nevers.

The result saw the American all-rounder, the defending champion, back at the top of the overall standings ahead of teammate Jonas Vingegaard.

On the 28.4km circuit, the Dutch team finished 15 seconds ahead of Jayco-AlUla, with Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe a further 10sec adrift.

“I’m proud of the boys,” said Jorgenson. “I think we did the plan as well as we could and I’m happy with the commitment of everyone.

“I don’t take it for granted to have six riders so strong and committed next to me. We wanted to use our two ‘motorbikes’, Per (Strand Hagenes) and Edo (Affini).

“They did their turns before the steep climb and the goal was to have four of us on top. Then it was about navigating the last corners as fast as possible to the finish.”

Jorgenson said he was excited to race with the leader’s yellow jersey.

“I didn’t wear it in race last year, I took it on the last day,” he said. “I want just to feel what it is to race with the Maillot Jaune. It’s iconic.”