Roy was part of a rider move on the 123 kilometre stage in Chesterfield, with the Australian joined by Luxembourg’s Christine Majerus and Canada’s Leah Kirchmann.

The trio broke clear with 40km remaining and pulled to over one minute clear, with Majerus threatening to claim the overall race lead.

Roy eventually claimed victory from the breakaway, crossing the line in a time of 3 hours, 27min and 48sec.

She finished one second clear of Majerus, while Kirchmann was a further four seconds back in third.

Niewiadoma would retain the overall lead, with the peloton ending 22sec behind the race winner.

“I knew it was a really dangerous move and I knew we had to start riding to bring her back,” said Niewiadoma.

“I tried to stay calm and relaxed and only think positively.

“As soon as you start thinking negatively you become nervous.

“What made it easier for my head is that I knew the course was hard and the climbs suit me.

“I also knew that some teams would be destroyed on this course; it wasn’t easy to stay in the front group."

The Polish national champion will head into tomorrow’s final stage with a 1:25 advantage over Majerus in the general classification.

Kirchmann lies third at 1:36 behind Niewiadoma.

Racing will conclude on tomorrow with a 62km stage that starts and finishes on Regent Street in London.

The Women’s Tour is a part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, which is made up of 20 events around the world in 10 different countries.