McConville rose to the top of the general classification in the third stage this afternoon - a 58km road race at Burrumbeet.

She replaces Victorian Institute of Sport teammate and National Road Series leader Katrin Garfoot in the yellow jersey.

Garfoot was never in contention in the stage, being able to drop back through the field when Ruth Corset, her only danger in the NRS title race, chose not to attack.

They each finished more than two minutes behind stage winner Joanne Tralaggan in the second bunch on the road.

Tralaggan, of New South Wales and riding for Target Trek, took a bunch sprint from the consistent Nicole Whitburn and Lisa Hanley.

Trarlaggan averaged 37.7kmh in stopping the clock at one hour, 32 minutes, 21 seconds.

McConville crossed the line 20th position in the same time as part of tha 40-strong lead group.

McConville said taking the lead jersey had not been part of the day's plan.

She said the top priority from the outset had been to secure the NRS title for Garfoot.

"We've done that."

McConville said it was "game over" once Corset fell back.

She said stage or general classification honours would not be a bonus.

McConville said the Holden team had been aggressive - working over herself and VIS teammate Jessica Mundy.

She complemented the field on the pace and aggression.

McConville is unsure whether she can hold on to the yellow jersey in tomorrow's 82km road race at Dunnstown.

"We'll have to see how we go.

"It has been solid day after the team time trial.

"My Legs are feeling it.

"I'll have to see how my legs pull up," said McConville, who finished second to Nettie Edmondson in the tour last year.

Garfoot has secured the NRS title, going into the last stage of the last leg of the series with an eight-point lead.

VIS put her in control with a commanding win in the team time trial this morning.

Ballarat Chloe McIntosh finished 15th in this afternoon's stage and is 15th overall.

STAGE 3

58km road race at Burrumbeet

TOP 10

Joanne Tralaggan 1:32:21 

Nicole Whitburn same time

Lisa Hanley st

Jessica Mundy st

Samantha De Riter st

Sarah Roy st

Cassia Higgs st

Emily Roper st

Elizabeth Doueal st

Jenelle Crooks st

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

TOP 10

Chloe McConville 3:10.44 

Jessica Mundy +5sec 

Samantha De Riter +57 

Jenelle Crooks st

Miranda Griffiths +59 

Lucy Coldwell st

Nicole Whitburn +1:30 

Shannon Malseed +1:32 

Katrin Garfoot +2:05 

Rebecca Mackey +2:41 

SPRINT CLASSIFICATION

Nicole Whitburn 7

Kate Finegan 7 

Ruth Corset 3 

Sarah Roy 3 

Chloe McConville 1 

HILL CLIMB

Cassandra Dodd 3 

Rebecca Locke  2 

Cassia Higgs 1