Michael Albasini tamed Constitution Hill to claim victory in Swansea and take the overall lead in the Tour of Britain.
The HTC-Columbia rider fearlessly tackled the cobbles, wet from heavy rain, to solo up the 25 per cent climb and ride to the finish unchallenged to win stage three.
The 29-year-old Swiss finished behind Greg Henderson on stage two but replaced the Kiwi in the yellow jersey after the Team Sky sprinter was dropped on the 149.7km route.
Sky looked to protect their man from the off and reeled in a number of early breaks as the British outfit attempted to defend the yellow jersey.
But a nine-strong group escaped after Builth Wells and were soon joined by Albasini, who was paced up to the break by team-mate Tony Martin.
Garmin-Transitions rider Cameron Meyer made an attack off the front but was soon caught by the chasing pack before Albasini made his move to assault the cobbles alone and take control of the race.
Stage three results
1) Michael Albasini – Team HTC–Columbia – 3:40:37
2) Ian Bibby Motorpoint–Marshalls Pasta – @ 08”
3) Stijn Neirynck – Topsport Vlaanderen–Mercator – @ same time
Honda Combativity Award Winner: Cameron Meyer, Garmin–Transitions Cycling Team
General classification standings (after stage three)
1) Michael Albasini – Team HTC–Columbia – 3:40:37
2) Greg Henderson – Sky Professional Cycling Team – @ 1:28
3) Richie Porte – Team Saxo Bank – @ 1:28
The Prostate Cancer Charity points jersey standings (after stage three)
1) Greg Henderson – Sky Professional Cycling Team – 31 points
2) Michael Albasini – Team HTC–Columbia – 30 points
3) Andre Greipel – Team HTC-Columbia – 15 points
King of the Mountains jersey standings (after stage three)
1) Richie Porte – Team Saxo Bank – 36 points
2) Johnny Hoogerland – Vacansoleil Pro Cycling-26 points
3) Wout Poels – Vacansoleil Pro Cycling – 20 points
Sprints jersey standings (after stage three)
1) Richie Porte – Team Saxo Bank – 15 points
2) Michal Golas – Vacansoleil Pro Cycling – 8 points
3) Heinrich Haussler – Cervelo Test Team – 8 points
