Marianne Vos (Jumbo-Visma) finished second behind Cecilie Uttrup-Ludwig (FDJ-SUEZ Futuroscope) on the steep climb to Epernay on stage 3.

The overall leader said she "gave it her all" and intends to hold the overall lead for as long as possible.

"That's what I fought for. I'm happy to keep yellow, but Cecily was the strongest on the last climb. It wasn't a close call, it was a pretty big gap. I gave it my all, but I didn't have the legs to accelerate at the end. After such a hard race, I'm happy to be in yellow for another day," Vos said.

On the short, steep climb to reach Epernay, Vos followed the best climbers in the race. As the race approached the final climb, Vos reacted to Kasia Niewiadoma accelerating with 300 meters to go.

Vos passed Niewiadoma, but was caught and passed by Uttrup Ludwig, who had caught up further back.

"I tried to stay in front and follow the leading group to try to get another stage win. I had to give it my all on the other climbs and that was all I could do," Vos said.

Vos, who won the second stage to Provins and took the yellow jersey, was the class leader at the end of the third stage, 16 seconds ahead of Silvia Persico (Valcar) and Niwi Adoma (Canyon-SRAM).

He said the feeling of racing in the peloton while wearing the yellow jersey gave him goosebumps.

"There were moments when I was running with goosebumps and moments when I was struggling just to stay on the wheel and be part of the fray," Vos said. That's the beauty of this sport. There's something special about putting on the jersey and having the race and the crowd cheering for the maillot jaune from inside the peloton."

Jumbo-Visma teammate Anna Henderson said that being able to support Vos on her yellow journey was everything and that seeing her win the second stage and take the overall lead was unforgettable. She also said the team is still focused on winning the stage.

"We are here for the stage win and the yellow is a big bonus.

Vos said the team will give its best every day for Wednesday's fourth stage from Troyes to Val-sur-Aube. Vos said, "It was a big battle and we are ready to fight again tomorrow."