The only categorised climb in the third stage of th Tour Down Under caused some splits in the peloton. OPQS rider Jan Bakelants stayed near the front and achieved a top-15 result.
A lead group of 5 riders animated a part of the third stage, but they were caught before the final. Then the climb Corkscrew Road opened new gaps. Cadel Evans (BMC) attacked solo and gained a half minute gap. A chase group tried to reel him in, but the Australian rider was too strong and reached the line first. Besides the stage win he also took the overall lead. OPQS rider Jan Bakelants finished shortly behind the first chase group as 15th, 43 seconds behind Evans.
Carlos Verona was riding in the best young rider jersey again, but lost a little more than 2 minutes and had to hand over his jersey to Kenny Elissonde (FDJ.fr).