But his third podium finish in as many stages proved enough to catch and overtake two-day leader Ericson Obosa of INCA in the overall individual standings of the Tour Pilipinas 2006 Padyak Pinoy with an aggregate of 12 hours, 45 minutes and 24 seconds.

The 2002 Tour of Calabarzon champion was second to Obosa in the first stage, third in the second stage and second yesterday.

Obosa slipped to second, 27 seconds behind, after finishing third in the stage.

Barnachea was aggressive early in the stage and intensified his attack in the mountains.

"Pinilit ko talaga na mapasama sa lead pack para makaatake agad sa pag-akyat," said Barnachea.

The ploy paid off although he failed to save his best for last and allowed Air21 ace Frederick Feliciano to claim lap honor.

Feliciano took his fifth career lap victory by covering the tough 249.4km distance in five hours, 19 minutes and 36 seconds, 41 seconds clear of Barnachea.

"Pinabayaan ko na lang s’ya (Feliciano). Ang importante sa akin ma-maintain ko lang ‘yung pace ko," said Barnachea.

Sensing Barnachea’s reluctance to accelerate, Feliciano stepped on the gas in the final two kilometers and built a comfortable margin.

"Kinargahan ko na pagdating sa may ospital (Baguio General Hospital). Sayang din kasi ‘yung makakain ko na oras," said Feliciano.

The 28-year-old pride of Aliaga, Nueva Ecija improved to third with a total of 12 hours, 46 minutes and 20 seconds, 56 seconds off the pace.

The frontrunners after two stages were mostly in the lead pack on the first climb.

There were 18 of them upfront as they trekked Naguillan. But one by one they fell down Marcos Highway and only six remained as they approached the Kennon Road.

"Madulas kasi ang daan kaya maraming naiwan sa paglusong," said Feliciano.

Perhaps most of the riders also had difficulty breathing in chilly condition.

Defending two-time champion Warren Davadilla of Mail & More failed to gain grounds after finishing 10th in the stage, seven minutes and 56 seconds off the pace. He was 10 minutes and 24 seconds behind yellow jersey holder overall.

Barnachea underlined his dominance in the mountains by topping the king of the mountain category with 27 points followed by Feliciano with 19 and Tomas Martinez of Red Bull with 18.

Today’s stage is one of the easiest routes in this year’s edition of the tour presented by Tanduay Rhum in cooperation with Wow Magic Sing, a 194-km downhill ride from here to Angeles City, Pampanga.