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 The 2011 Tour de France champion's stunning ascent of the 2.4
kilometer Corkscrew Hill followed by a late surge towards the end of
the 145 kilometer stage put him 12 seconds ahead of Orica-GreenEdge
rider Gerrans with three stages left.
"I had an idea of the opportunity I could get on Corkscrew climb and
I knew what to do," said the 36-year-old BMC rider who has been
plagued by health and consistency issues over the last two years.
"My team did a fantastic job to position me where I had to be. I had
been training well but winning is what we are here for," added
Evans, eyeing his first overall title here.
Compatriot Nathan Haas of Garmin Sharp finished second to move up to
fourth overall, behind Italian Diego Ulissi.
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Gerrans finished the stage in fifth. "It's not going to be
easy for Cadel. We're going to throw everything at him, that's for
sure," said Gerrans.
"I'm disappointed to lose the ochre jersey but it's not over."
(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty; editing by Patrick Johnston)
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