Initially, it looked like it was going to be an exhibition for Lemko Evenpoel. When the world champion attacked with 6km remaining to Villars-sur-Ollon, it seemed he was destined to put his stamp on the Tour de Suisse.

However, after surprisingly struggling in the summit finish of stage 3, Evenpoel was in damage limitation mode at the summit. He recovered slightly in the final kilometer to finish fourth, 21 seconds behind winner Matthias Skjelmoes (Trek-Segafredo).

"We have to be satisfied," said Skjelmoes. 'We haven't lost anything yet, no drama. We haven't lost anything yet, so no drama. Tomorrow we have another chance."

In the pouring rain, Evenepoel worked the Sudar-QuickStep team down the final climb, with Mattia Cattaneo and James Knox bringing him within 6km of the finish.

Only Matthias Skjelmoes (Trek-Segafredo) and Felix Gall (AG2R Citroen) were able to follow Evenpoel's initial acceleration. However, it was impressive that after Evenpoel's initial onslaught, the best chasers were able to catch up to him.

Gal and Skjelmors, who had initially been slowly chasing Evenpoel, were emboldened by the spectacle. With 3 km to go, Gal attacked and was soon followed by Skjelmoes, leaving Evenpoel to chase alone, only to be caught and passed by Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates), who had been chasing him.

"I had to do something to get rid of Küng," said Ayuso. But both riders were very strong as well." We had to pay the price for that on the tricky part of the climb."

Evenpoel, sporting a maglia rosa after COVID-19 forced him to abandon last month's Giro d'Italia, suggested it was a day that confirmed he was not yet at his best.

"I felt I wasn't at my best yet. Normally I would have been able to make another acceleration in that section, but I couldn't do it today.

"I didn't completely collapse, I was just out of shape for a couple of minutes and then I got back into a rhythm, so it must be an after-effect [of COVID-19].

Even Paul also admitted to having a bit of a chip on his shoulder early in the race and suggested that he would be more cautious in the future.

He remains in second place in GC, 17 seconds behind new leader Skelmose, who was considered the dangerman at the start. Ayuso, who is only 7 seconds behind Evenpoel in third place, is also a threat. But Sunday's final time trial is a trump card for Evenpoel in his quest for overall victory.

"Maybe a little too early, but my teammate was available, so I had to go. Normally I would go a couple of times and pull them away, but that's not how it works yet." [So tomorrow, I'm going to sit on my wheels a little bit more and let the other guys take the initiative."

Tuesday's finale was the Tour de Suisse's only summit finish, but the Tour de Suisse's toughest day is still to come. Starting with stage 4, the peloton will tackle the category 1 climbs of Crans Montana and Dolben before finishing in Leukerbad.

"Tomorrow the climb will be even longer.