Dan Martin (Quick Step Floors) put in an impressive performance on today’s fourth stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné – a 23.5-kilometre time-trial on an undulating course from La Tour-du-Pin to Bourgion-Jalieu – and as a result has now moved into the top 20 on GC.
The stage was won by Richie Porte (BMC Racing) who set a time of 28’07” beating Tony Martin (Katusha) by 12″ with Alejandro Valverde (Movistar Team) a further 12″ down. Dan Martin finished in 26th place, despite not being a time-trial specialist and has moved from 28th to 18th on GC.
Thomas De Gendt (Lotto-Soudal) managed to hang on to the overall lead with Porte moving into second at 27″. The Irish rider sits 1’45” behind De Gendt. Martin’s cousin Nicolas Roche (BMC Racing) also had an impressive ride today and jumped up on overall standings. The Irish time-trial champion finished in 20th place on the stage and is now in 15th place overall.
Martin who was the best finisher for Quick Step Floors today can feel confident going into the second half of the race which includes two mountain top finishes. On Saturday, the riders will finish on Alpe d’Huez (3.7km at 7.2%), which is approached from a different side than the usual ascent from Bourg d’Oisans. The final stage will finish on Plateau de Solaison (11.3km at 9.2%)
