Emma Pooley (Bigla) climbed to victory on stage three of the Tour Languedoc Roussillon in France on Sunday, and with it took the overall lead in the race.

The British rider went clear of her rivals on the mountainous third stage from Maury to Camurac to claim the leader’s jersey. Fabiana Luperini (Faren) came home in second, with Ashley Moolman (Lotto) in third.

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The overall classification now runs in the same order – Pooley, Luperini at 30 seconds and Moolman in third at 45 seconds.

Three stages of the UCI 2.2-ranked race remain: today’s 130km hilly run from Belcaire to Villemoustaussou, then a 27.9km individual time trial tomorrow (Tuesday) and a 114km loop around Beziers to conclude the race on Wednesday.

The first stage of the Tour Languedoc Roussillon was cancelled after the race organiser struggled to find a sponsor for the event. Initially, the race had been cancelled but was reinstated at the eleventh hour after a backer was found, but too late to save the opening day’s racing.

Related links

British professional road wins 2013

Emma Pooley: Rider profile