The last 5kms of the 163km stage featured some cat and mouse tactics by the open category, which reduced the pace to one that is akin to what you see in match sprinting on the track . . .

Daniel Carruthers (Champion System) has the race strung out across the Thai countryside

I was forced out on the front a couple of times, but used the U-turn to swing out wide which allowed a couple of riders to slot in front of me. Coming into the final three kilometres, I was not in an ideal position; sitting on second wheel behind a Thai rider who was riding very slow, obviously waiting for any attacks from behind. Fortunately the others behind me had decided to wait till the last 300m before trying anything, this was due to the late flurry of attacks that were launched in an attempt to split the break. Some very powerful attacks were launched by Ariya Pounsavath (Laos) which I had to chase down each time.

This Slovakian rider has been training with power - certainly with a focus on his biceps!

The Thai rider made his bid to take the stage win, but I pounced onto his wheel and then with 200m to go I gave it my maximum power to go for the third consecutive stage win, I was in the clear but it was not over as the Laos rider Pounsavath had been on my wheel leading into the sprint (a good position to be) was drawing level with me and then pulling ahead. I had to dig deep to match him side-by-side. He was only marginally in front of me when the line was almost there and then I did a desperate bike throw which was very close. Pounsavath prematurely celebrated with a loud whoop and throwing both hands in the air believing he had taken the stage win; it was just too close for the naked eye to distinguish the winner. I knew that it would be a photo-finish and sure enough my bike throw edged out the tall lanky rider who was on the Laos Junior National Team in 2009.

Cyclingnewsasia vet Jim Hadden pushing the pace on the front

Malaysian rider, Loke E Min (Peloton 2K) came in third position, backing up his 2nd placing in yesterdays stage.

The stage started of reasonably cool - with a low of 34 degrees as it was raining slightly but later when the sun came out, it became unbearably hot and humid. Fortunately the water motorbikes were on hand at all times to hand water to riders. I ensured I was hydrated throughout and also kept pouring water on my legs and lower body area to keep cool as that is the area that traps alot of heat. I rationed out my Gu Gels, banana and Gu shots to ensure I got maximum benefit from them. I was lucky to be handed a Snickers bar with 30kms remaining - this gave me more energy to keep going. When doing long stage races, it is important to keep hydrated and energy levels up. You also need to recover to perform well the next day.

The pace was HOT in Thailand with riders strung out down the road

We are definitely racing in Thailand!

Tomorrow's 160km stage features two big climbs that is likely to be the decisive factor on who will win the overall title for the Friendship Tour of Thailand.

This article submitted by Daniel Carruthers. Who is Mr. Daniel Carruthers (we call him 'Mr.' now that we have seen him ride . . . .)? Daniel is a New Zealander who is based in Hangzhou, China and races for Team Champion System. Daniel is a freelance writer and photographer who is currently studying his PhD at Zhejiang University. Find out more about Daniel at www.danielcarruthers.com

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