Basque cyclist Joseba Beloki takes the lead in Tour de Romandie

The Basque cyclist, Joseba Beloki, has surprisingly taken the lead in Switzerland's Tour de Romandie, after coming out on top in the second leg of the third stage on Friday.

Beloki, who has taken over the leader’s green jersey from Italy’s Paolo Savoldelli, was able to come in thirty seconds ahead of the Italian in Friday’s time trial over a distance of 15 miles.

Inigo Cuesta of Spain is now 32 seconds behind Beloki and in third place in the overall ratings.

No one had expected the relatively average 26-year-old from Spain’s Basque region to finish the time trial in just 29 minutes, 22 seconds.

Earlier, the riders had completed a short 42 mile half-stage leg from Martin-Epagnier to Orbe. Italy’s Eddy Mazzoleni and the Belgian, Steve de Wolf, finished in first and second position on this stretch.

On Saturday, the penultimate stage is likely to decide the overall winner. The competitors will have to complete a 102 mile stretch starting in Champagne, including two tough climbs along the way, before an uphill finish in Leysin.

swissinfo with agencies