Precedes as one takes the lead (4,5)

I believe the answer is:

goes ahead

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'precedes' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'one takes the lead' is the wordplay.
'one takes' becomes 'goes' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'the lead' becomes 'ahead' (I've seen this before).
'goes'+'ahead'='GOES AHEAD'

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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