Edoardo Zardini of Bardiani CSF took an impressive win on the top of the Tumble at the end of a pulsating stage three of the Friends Life Tour of Britain.

The Italian was nine seconds clear of second placed Michal Kwiatkowski of Omega Pharma Quick-Step with Nicolas Roche, who had pushed for the win earlier on the final climb coming in in third place.

The win, coupled with the time bonus on the line takes Zardini into the leaders  yellow jersey, 13 seconds ahead of Kwiatkowski.

Dylan Teuns of Belgium (BMC Racing Team) was fourth, while defending champion Sir Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) was fifth, 14 seconds back.

The Briton has now moved from 10 to 24 seconds off the top in the general classification, which sees Zardini 13 seconds clear of second-placed Kwiatkowski.

The tour comes to Sussex on Saturday, going via Petworth, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Hailsham, Beachy Head, Lewes and Ditchling Beacon.

It finishes on the seafront at Brighton.