Colombian Esteban Chaves has ridden into the Herald Sun Tour lead after a stunning solo victory on top of Lake Mountain on stage three.
Chaves of Mitchelton-Scott on Saturday attacked at the base of the final ascent and rode clear of a quickly reducing peloton.
He powered up the category-one climb with 20km remaining in the 218km race that began in Nagambie at Mitchelton Winery.
Twenty-one-year-old Alex Evans (Mobius BridgeLane) put in a breakthrough ride to finish second to the Grand Tour contender, riding solo up the climb in pursuit of Chaves, eventually finishing 42 seconds in arrears.
Portuguese champion Ruben Guerreiro (Trek-Segefredo) outfoxed his chase group companions to finish third, 1:09 behind the Colombian.
Mitchelton-Scott hold the top three spots overall, with Chaves 32 seconds ahead of Australian 2015 Tour winner Cameron Meyer and 39 seconds to reigning champion Damien Howson.
The 65th Tour ends on Sunday with the Gumbuya world stage four road race around Kinglake.
Share
