Thomas De Gendt pulled off a successful solo breakaway to win the third stage of the Tour of Catalonia and take the overall lead from defending champion Alejandro Valverde.
De Gendt made a move to the front with more than 20 kilometers to go on Wednesday and held on until the end to clinch the 199-km stage from Sant Cugat del Valles to Setcases.
The Belgian rider, of team Lotto Soudal, finished 20 seconds in front of the chasing peloton, earning a 23-second overall lead over Valverde.
South African Daryl Impey dropped to third overall, six seconds behind Valverde.
De Gendt said: "I didn't expect it. It was really difficult with so much headwind."
Thursday's fourth stage will take riders 170 km from Llanars to Alp with the seven-stage race ending on Sunday in Barcelona.
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