AFTER two long stages, the shorter and flat third stage is one planned for the peloton to relax their tiring muscles.

That said, the competition is still expected to be fierce with ambitious riders piling on the pressure in the battle for the points classification lead with three intermediate sprints on offer.

The first intermediate sprint awaits the peloton at Nenasi, 38.1 kilometres into the stage, followed by another one at the 82.3km point in Rompin, near the nature reserve of Endau Rompin, and the final intermediate sprint is at Tanjung Gemuk, after 105.3 kilometres.

Should there be escapees who can maintain their pace in front of the group, this group will most likely decide the outcome of the only mountains classification points on offer for the day at the 112.7km point.

There could also be a chance that the first small group or even solo breakaway attempt takes in the breathtaking scenery all the way to the finish line in front of the Mersing Ferry Terminal.