The Orica-Scott rider completed the 16 kilometres stage in a time of 22min 12sec to pick up her second success of the event, part of the International Cycling Union Women's WorldTour, following her prologue triumph on Tuesday (August 29).

Van Vleuten's compatriot Ellen van Dijk, who competes for Team Sunweb, was four seconds slower in second place.

New Zealand's Linda Villumsen, of Team Veloconcept, was third but was someway off the pace as she crossed the line 26 seconds behind Van Vleuten.

Van Vleuten has a nine-second lead in the overall Ladies Tour of Holland standings, with Van Dijk currently her closest challenger.

Germany's Lisa Brennauser, who rides for Canyon-Sram, is third but trails by 40 seconds.

Britain's Lizzie Deignan, an Olympic silver medallist an former world race champion, will take no further part in the event after having surgery to remove her appendix.

"It was my own time trial today and I wanted to test myself and not think about what the other competitors did," Van Vleuten told Eurosport.

"My goal was to go as hard as possible, maximum to the finish line. 

"Of course it’s very nice that I’m able to win in a long time trial also and to take more time in the overall.

"I have a good feeling and confidence now and in the coming days I will do everything to try and win.

"there are still three good hard stages to come, my shape is good and I’m going to fight. 

"Tomorrow is possibly the last day for the sprinters but we will stay focused now until Sunday."

Tomorrow's fourth stage is due to see the riders tackle a 121.4km journey from Gennep to Weert.