Yesterday’s stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné took the riders from Villard-de-Lans to Vercors, and the race was turned on it’s head. After losing time on the previous stage, Vincenzo Nibali (Astana Pro Team) went on the attack to try and reduce his deficit.
Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing Team) had gone into the stage as race leader. Attacks went from early on in the race, and after 100kms, a group comprised of Tony Martin (Etixx-Quick Step), Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal), Rui Costa (Lampre) and Nibali went clear.
They gained an advantage of 3.30 over the yellow-blue group after passing the Col du Rousset where Nibali did most of the work in the front group. Gallopin tried his luck 4.5km before the end but Nibali reacted and rode away on his own with 1.4km to go.
With just 300 metres reamining, Costa managed to get across to Nibali. The former World Champion claimed his first ever stage victory at the Dauphiné while Nibali moved into the lead with just two stages remaining. Today’s stage takes the riders from Montmélian to Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc.
