Dan Martin won today’s 5th stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné from Grenoble to Valmorel, marking his first win in UAE Team Emirates colours.
The 130.5-kilometre stage was the second summit finish of the race and Martin won by 4″ from Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) with Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) 15″ down.
Stage five started with two category two climbs in the first 20 kilometres of the race before a mostly flat run into the base of the final 12.7km Hors Category climb to the finish line in Valmorel. The race started in Grenoble and covered 130 kilometres in total with an elevation gain of more than 2,500 metres.
Eight riders escaped early on with their advantage increased to around two minutes. The breakaway stayed clear for most of the stage but shortly before the final climb the escapees were caught. On the final ascent the reduced bunch split with numerous riders losing contact,
After an attack by Yates, Martin made his move with 3.5 kilometres remaining. He hung on to win the stage and now sits in 14th overall at 2’26” from the new leader Thomas.
“Yesterday I attacked but couldn’t win, today it worked,” said Martin afterwards. “I thought if I attacked, they’d let me go. I’m a little further back in the overall. I took the opportunity, everyone seemed to be in the red after Adam Yates attacked. This success brings fantastic feelings, after second yesterday and a period of adjustment with the new team, where we all are getting familiar with each other.
“The team was perfect, even when the wins don’t arrive, we are always a united group and I received constant support. That makes it all the better to add a victory as payback for everyone’s work.
“I’m surprised, my training went perfectly over the past few weeks. I didn’t expect to be in top form yet, I’d rather be in this position than in difficulty for the Tour de France.”
The 6th stage tomorrow covers 110 kilometres and finishes at 1,850 metres at La Rosiere. Two Hors Categorie climbs – Montée de Bisanne, 12.4 km at 8.1% and Col du Pré, 12.6 km at 7.6% – a second category Roselend, 5.7 km at 6.4% and 17,6 km up to the finish line.
Stage 5 results
1 Daniel Martin (UAE Team Emirates) 3h21’19”
2 Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) 4″
3 Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) 15″
General classification after stage 5
1 Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) 17h16’53”
2 Damiano Caruso (BMC) 1’09”
3 Gianni Moscon (Team Sky) s.t.
14 Daniel Martin (UAE Team Emirates) 2’26”
