The stage tasked riders with a challenging 140 kilometres route from Llandrindod Wells to Builth Wells, including a series of testing climbs.

Deignan formed part of a three-rider group which escaped on the most challenging ascent of the day with 20 kilometres left.

She was joined by Poland’s Katarzyna Niewiadoma and Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini.

The trio remained together until the close of the race, with Deignan sprinting clear to claim victory in 3 hours, 54 min and 35 sec.

It was the Briton's first victory since returning to the sport following maternity leave.

Niewiadoma was awarded the same time in second place, with Longo Borghini two seconds adrift in third.

The peloton was led across the line by Leah Kirchmann, the Canadian 17 seconds behind the winner.

Deignan assumed the race lead courtesy of the bonus seconds earned by claiming the stage victory.

She will hold a one-second advantage over Niewiadoma heading into the final day of the race.

The Netherlands’ Amy Pieters lies in third, some 32 seconds behind Deignan.

Deignan and Niewiadoma will be hoping to win the race for a second time, having triumphed in the 2016 and 2017 editions, respectively.