On a dramatic day at the Tour of Britain, it was Edoardo Zardini (Bardiani-CSF) who came out on top.
The 24-year-old climbed to victory atop The Tumble following an arduous stage.
The victory meant Zardini also pulled on the overall leader's yellow jersey at the end of the stage.
Zardini attacked on the final climb alongside Jack Bauer (Garmin-Sharp), but soon he was alone, the New Zealander unable to match the ferocious pace set by the Bardiani man.
With two kilometres to go, the Italian was joined by Nicolas Roche (Tinkoff-Saxo).
The pair sparred for a kilometre before Zardini made the decisive move with just a few hundred metres remaining.
Michal Kwiatkowski (OPQS) caught and passed Roche to take second place, while the Irishman held on to take third on the day, 17 seconds down on the stage winner.
“It’s fantastic day for me and the team,” Zardini said.
“I attacked at the bottom of the climb, and still at the end, I was strong, thanks to the work of my team.
“The Tour of Britain has started in the best way for me.
“I hope to defend the race lead. It’s the most important victory of my career. I am really happy.”
Of the British contenders, Sky's Bradley Wiggins remains in the running for the overall victory after a strong showing.
The 2012 Tour de France champion is 24 seconds down on Zardini.
Stage 4 takes the riders from Worcester to Bristol, a 185 kilometre trek which sees a summit finish for the second consecutive day.