Oranza overcame the tough 11.7-kilometer Talisay-Tagaytay Road with 10 hairpins despite having the need to change wheels in Cuenca, Batangas.

The Navy rider, who started the stage in the sixth spot in the general classification, clocked in three hours, 40 minutes, and 45 seconds and grabbed the lead.

After the long ride, the 29-year old Oranza fell on the ground as he suffered leg cramps but was carried by two security men to meet his teammates and his coach Reinhard Gorrantes.

“I had a flat tire in Cuenca and felt cramps about five kilometers to the finish but I prayed I could finish,” Oranza said.

“I knew I would do good in this stage and I would get the chance to snatch the red jersey eventually. But I didn’t expect I would take the red jersey today (Tuesday), but I’m glad I did,” he added.

Oranza has a total time of 18:46:04, followed by Jan Paul Morales with 18:46:46, while Jonel Carcueva slid to third with 18:49:01.