Alex Diniz leads following the third stage of the Tour de San Luis in Argentina after victory between la Punta and Mirador del Potrero on Wednesday.
The Brazilian stood out even among some high-calibre rivals on the 173 kilometre route in the first mountain stage in searingly hot conditions.
The Funvic Brasilinvest rider broke free of the pack on the climb to the finish to cross in four hours 29 minutes 36 seconds ahead of Mauro Santambrogio (Vini Fantini-Selle Italia) and Michal Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma-Quick Step).
The seven-stage event continues on Thursday with a time trial, where Alberto Contador will be among the favourites.