Pöstlberger had helped to launch the breakaway at the start of the 173-kilometre second stage from Brioude to Saugues.

The Austrian rider was joined by France’s Anthony Delaplace, Britain’s Matthew Holmes, New Zealand’s Shane Archbold and Australia’s Rob Power.

The group reached the halfway mark of the stage with an advantage approaching four minutes, but the gap was reduced as the riders tackled categorised climbs.

Pöstlberger and Archbold dropped their breakaway companions in the final 40km, with the former then launching a solo bid for victory with 18km to go.

The Bora-Hansgrohe rider was chased by the peloton for the remainder of the stage, with the pace leading to yesterday’s stage winner and race leader Brent Van Moer of Belgium being dropped.

Britain’s Chris Froome, a three-time winner of the race, was also dropped in the closing kilometres.

Pöstlberger was able to fend off the chasing pack to earn an impressive stage victory in 4 hours 25min 20sec.

Italy’s Sonny Colbrelli finished as the runner-up for the second consecutive stage, leading the peloton over the line at 11 seconds down.

The stage win saw Pöstlberger move into the overall race lead, with the Austrian 12 seconds clear of Colbrelli.

Spain’s Alejandro Valverde completes the top three at 20 seconds behind Pöstlberger.

Riders will face a 172km flat stage tomorrow from Langeac to Saint-Haon-le-Vieux.