GreenEDGE rider Michael Matthews third at Tour of California

AUSTRALIAN cyclist Michael Matthews was edged out by Slovakian star Peter Sagan in a sprint finish for the Tour of California's third stage.

AUSTRALIAN cyclist Michael Matthews was edged out by Slovakian star Peter Sagan in a mass sprint finish for the Tour of California's third stage.

Sagan won a hectic battle by about half a bike length from Orica-GreenEDGE team rider Matthews with American Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Sharp) third after the 177.9km ride from Palmdale to Santa Clarita on Tuesday.

Sagan, who won three Tour de France stages last year, claimed his ninth Tour of California stage victory in four years.

"It was a bit crazy, there was confusion because all the teams were trying to get up there," said Sagan.

Colombian Janier Acevedo (Jamis-Hagens Berman) finished in the main field to maintain the overall lead from American Tejay van Garderen (BMC) by 12 seconds with five stages left.

"I was very tired after yesterday," said Acevedo, who had a 12-second win in Stage 2 in temperatures that reached over 40 degrees Celsius. "I never felt very good the whole day today, so I just tried to stay in there.

"Fortunately, the teams were all working to together for a sprint finish, so the day wasn't difficult."

Philip Deignan (UnitedHealthcare) of Ireland is third overall, trailing by 27 seconds.

AAP-AP nh