After a two-day spell in yellow, Juanjo Lobato left room to his climbing team-mates in a Tour of Britain whose overall classification is now led by Boasson Hagen (MTN), following a long (9km), yet not-so-steep ascent towards Hartside Fell. An attack by the Norwegian was eventually overtaken by Dutchman Wout Poels (SKY) in the closing meters, both part of a four-man front group featuring a notable Beñat Intxausti.

The Basque climber took 3rd place - with Rubén Fernández in 9th, immediately behind in a first serious pursuit group - and now sits 4th in the GC, with three Movistar riders - including Gorka Izagirre - in the top 20. The numerous climbs on Friday’s ride towards Nottingham (192km) might become the last opportunity to break the peloton, as stages in the weekend are mainly flat.

"Third in the queen stage @tourofbritain and 4th on GC. Congrats to Poels and Boassen Hagen. Tomorrow we will try again," Intxausti tweeted after the stage.