Simon Spilak claimed victory on the seventh stage of the Tour de Suisse ©Tour de Suisse

Slovenia's Simon Spilak claimed victory on the seventh stage of the Tour de Suisse to gain the overall lead with just two days of racing left.

The Katusha-Alpecin rider proved fastest over the 160 kilometres stage from Zernez to Sölden and crossed the line in a time of 3 hours, 58min and 36sec.

Spilak launched a clinical attack with 10km to go on the brutal final climb to Tiefenbachferner.

He was able to maintain a fast pace and powered across the finish line, finishing 22 seconds in front of Spanish rider Ion Izagirre of Bahrain-Merida.

Joe Dombrowski of the United States finished in third for Cannondale-Drapac, 36 seconds behind Spilak.

Slovenia’s Simon Spilak now has the yellow jersey after today's victory ©Tour de Suisse
Slovenia’s Simon Spilak now has the yellow jersey after today's victory ©Tour de Suisse

Following today's victory, Spilak now has a lead of 52 seconds in the general classification.

After finishing in fourth today, BMC Racing's Damiano Caruso of Italy trails behind in second.

Steven Kruijswijk occupies third with the Dutch member of LottoNl-Jumbo 1:05 off the leader.

Italian Domenico Pozzovivo of AG2R La Mondiale drops to fourth overall, 2:28 back after starting today's race in the lead.

The International Cycling Union World Tour race will reach its penultimate stage tomorrow.

The field will contest a 100km circuit that will start and finish at the new LIPO park in Schaffhausen.