Italy's Gianluca Bortolami has taken the overall lead in the Tour de Suisse cycling race after launching a dramatic two-man breakaway with Austria's Peter Wrolich during Thursday's third stage.

The two men broke away halfway through the 163 kilometre stretch from Reinach to Baar, valiantly defending their lead to cross the line almost three minutes ahead of a chasing pack led by third-placed Australian Robert McEwen.

Swiss riders Alexandre Moos and Martin Elmiger had attempted a similar breakaway after 55 kilometres but after opening up an eight minute lead, the two men were overtaken just a few kilometres later.

Bortolami, a classics specialist who earlier this season enjoyed victory in the Tour of Flanders, is now six seconds ahead of Wrolich in the overall standings. America's Lance Armstrong, who has worn the yellow jersey since Tuesday's opening prologue, is in third place overall, more than two and a half minutes behind Bortolami.

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