ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) — Former Tour de France champion Cadel Evans seized the overall lead in the Tour Down Under by winning Thursday’s third stage with a daring break on a corkscrew climb and descent.
Evans broke away near the end of the 145-kilometer (90-mile) stage from Norwood to Campbelltown, winning by 14 seconds from a group of 11 riders which included Australian compatriot Simon Gerrans and Italy’s Diego Ulissi who had started the day first and second on general classification.
With a 10 second time bonus for his stage win, Evans surged into the overall lead, 12 seconds ahead of Gerrans and 15 seconds ahead of Ulissi in third place.
Thes 2011 Tour de France-winner fought off a strong challenge from Australian Richie Porte to take the stage.
