Rui Costa is once again on a podium in a top level race. The Oortuguese from Team LAMPRE-MERIDA added the 3rd place in the Critèrium du Dauphinè to the large collection of top results and victories in the most important short stages races (three victories in the Tour de Suisse, one podium in Paris-Nice, three podiums in the Tour de Romandie) in addition to the many successes in one-day races.

The 3rd place was taken thanks to a perfect performance in the final stage of the French race. Costa reached the finish in 3rd place, with Yates (2nd) and Van Garderen (4th), 18" after winner Froome and with 26 precious seconds on Intxausti who was 3rd this morning. Thanks to the 26" of advantage and the time bonus, Costa succeded in passing Intxausti and making it onto the podium with for just 5".

Froome won the race with an advantage of 10" on van Garderen and 1'16" on Rui Costa.

Rafael Valls was impressive too, finishing 12th in the stage (+52"). Wnfortunately this result was not enough to enter the top ten, as he missed that mark by is 3". Valls completed the Critèrium du Dauphinè in 11th position 4'20" behind Froome.

Ruben Plaza finished the French race in the top 20, obtaining the 18th place.

"Today at the start I was satisfied for my performance in the Critèrium du Dauphinè," Rui Costa explaine. "I had come back to this race after three victories in a row in the Tour de Suisse. I had obtained one stage victory and I was 4th in the overall classification, these were very good achievements for me.

The podium was not far away but I was aware of the value of Intxausti. During the race, I was focused on the road and in gauging my effort, especially on the final climb which was covered with a very high rythm.

"When I noticed that Intxausti was in trouble, the morale helped me to give my best and to manage the situation because Yates who was just behind me in the overall classification, was riding close to me. 

"I succeded in obtaining a place on an amazing podium. I thank my teammates for theirs support, this is a good group which could battle for satisfaction in the Tour de France,"