Stephen Cummings (Dimension Data) confirmed his status as one of the best stage hunters in the peloton by riding to a fantastic solo win in the final stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné. Having made it into a big break, he went solo on the third climb of the mountainous course and delivered the time trial of his life to claim the victory. Chris Froome (Sky) responded to the many attacks and so won the race overall for the third time in his career while Dan Martin (Etixx-QuickStep) and Romain Bardet (Ag2r) finished second and third on the stage to gain enough time on Richie Porte to (BMC) to move to third and second in the GC respectively.

 

We have gathered several reactions.

 

Chris Froome: I still have room for improvement – I want to peak in the third week of the Tour

Chris Froome wrapped up overall victory at the 2016 Criterium du Dauphine with a strong performance on the final stage.

 

The Team Sky rider is only the fifth man to become a three-time winner of the prestigious stage race, clinching the yellow and blue jersey by 12 seconds after an exciting finish.

 

Froome crossed the line 10th after a nervy finale into Superdevoluy, but was able to rely on the support of his teammates, as has been the case throughout the event.

 

The race split apart significantly on the penultimate climb of the Col du Noyer, with Froome equal to the attacks of Alberto Contador, briefly settling into an elite four-man group.

 

Wout Poels (fourth on the day), Sergio Henao and Mikel Landa were able to bridge back to their team leader ahead of the final ramp, and in doing so they ensured Team Sky also comfortably wrapped up the race's team classification.

 

After the race a thrilled Froome confirmed: "It's amazing to be able to come back to the Dauphine and win it for a third time. The team were fantastic this week and the guys rode out of their skin keeping the jersey on my shoulders. 

 

"It's a massive satisfaction to win the Dauphiné for the third time. It's a very important race in the calendar. Coming into this week I hoped I'd be fighting for the podium, and to be sitting here on the last day in yellow is really an amazing feeling.

 

"The last few days have just been flat out and today was no different. The final there was pretty grippy and we were down to just a couple of us at the front at one stage. But again my teammates did a fantastic job, got back to the front of the race and helped control it for me right up until the end.

 

"It is great timing to have a win under the belt. It does help build the morale a bit and build the team around me. There's still a lot of work to do before July but all the right signs are there now. The guys heading for the Tour de France look as if they're in great shape and things everything is heading in the right direction."

 

The win marked a fifth Dauphine success in six years for Team Sky. After Bradley Wiggins began the run in 2011 and 2012, Froome has now weighed in with three titles of his own, from 2013, 2015 and now 2016.

 

The 151km finale saw Etixx - Quickstep help Sky with the pace-setting duties, but the race burst into life as Contador (Tinkoff) attacked from range yet again.

 

Froome's lieutenants ably closed the gap, but further accelerations saw an elite quartet of Froome, Contador, Richie Porte (BMC Racing) and Romain Bardet (Ag2r-La Mondiale) crest the Noyer together.

 

Landa and Henao demonstrated Team Sky's strength in depth by taking 12th and 13th overall, while Poels, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard, Salvatore Puccio and Michal Kwiatkowski all contributed to an incredible team result.

 

"This race is incredibly important to me in its own right but I think if we can take anything away from this week, it's not to be complacent," Froome added.

 

"Yes, this is a great victory but we're going to have to work really hard now before July to make sure we're in the right kind of shape for the Tour de France.

 

"The last two or three days have been flat out but it didn't stop the other riders from attacking today. My biggest rivals put us under a lot of pressure and it came down to that final climb.

 

“I found myself with Contador, Porte and Bardet. It was quite difficult to control. Dan Martin came back, I knew that my teammates were not far behind. I waited because I needed them.

 

“I knew via radio that Landa, Henao and Poels were coming across. But we almost crashed together near the end and that caused the gap that cost Richie [Porte] his spot on the podium.

 

"Unfortunately, when the sprint started, myself and Richie decided to try to pass on the right, but my teammates were trying to get out of the way for the sprint and they blocked myself and Richie. I almost crashed. I didn't have my hands on the brakes – I was trying to go into a sprint. It was bad miscommunication between me and my teammates.

 

"I feel really bad for Richie Porte. Regardless, he's shown that he's going to be one of the main contenders for the Tour.

 

“This is a great time for me to have a win under the belt. It's a booster confidence ahead of the Tour de France but there's still some work to do before July.

 

"I'm not at my best yet. I hope to reach that for the start of the Tour de France. I'm coming into it a little bit fresher and I'm hoping that will bring me into the third week of the race in better shape. But I can't say if that's going to happen or not. Wait and see, but the third week of this year's Tour is going to be extremely hard. I've not raced much this year in order to be at my best during the third week of the Tour.

 

"This is the first time, for example, I've raced with Mikel Landa. He is a big engine. He crashed in the Giro before being sick and abandoned. He's an amazing rider in his own right. This week was really important to work with him on communication and really getting to know each other. Stuff like that doesn't happen overnight. There are little things that we can work at: it's a continuous process to work at.

 

“It's a fantastic feeling to win the Criterium du Dauphine for the third time. Even if it is preparation for the Tour de France, it's still the last race before the Tour and it's very important to me. I will not rest on my laurels. I still have a lot of work before July. This week, I had to respond to a lot of attacks and I felt a lot of pressure

 

”I cannot give a number. I still have a lot of work and I'm not 100%. I have to improve my fitness for the Tour. For some years, I have tried to make progress in the Tour. This year, I have done fewer races, I am fresh and I hope to be on top in the third week of the Tour, which will be very important.

 

Stephen Cummings: I race for stage wins – GCs are boring

With six categorized climbs on the menu, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka wanted to be part of the action to help Daniel Teklehaimanot claim back the Polka Dots jersey as the best climber of the race. In the end the African Team was able to celebrate, as the Eritrean star secured the jersey for the second year in a row. Edvald Boasson Hagen was also able to get onto the podium, taking the overall in the points classification. In addition to that, Steve Cummings delivered the icing on the cake today with his stunning stage win.

 

The 151km long stage from Le Pont-de-Claix to Superdévoluy saw an early break of 20 riders. Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka had Teklehaimanot, who was equal on points with overnight KOM classification leader Thibaut Pinot, and Cummings in the group. The peloton, including all the GC contenders, didn’t let them get to far off the front. However, a gap of around two minutes was enough for Teklehaimanot to score the needed points in his fight for glory.

 

With roughly 70km to go Cummings attacked the break and took off alone. While his move split the the former break, Teklehaimanot was able to stay in the chase group, allowing Cummings to increase his lead. Over the following kilometers, the British time trial specialist opened up a gap of over 2min over the chasers. With 30km and two climbs to go the peloton was another 2min back.

 

Inside the final 15km the peloton, lead by Etixx-QuickStep, picked up the pace and reeled the chase back in. However, Cummings was able to defend his lead and crossed the line in Superdévoluy 3.58min ahead of Daniel Martin (Etixx-QuickStep) and Roman Bardet (Ag2R).

 

While the overall went to Chris Froome (Sky), it was the African team, who put on a strong show at the Critérium du Dauphiné. With 2 stage wins, as well as the Green jersey and the Polka Dots jersey Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka left its mark in the French Alps.

 

“It's getting harder and harder to win races so I tried to force something going from far out,” Cummings said. “I was just thinking of training for the Tour de France. I'm really happy. This is my third stage race in the World Tour this year and my third stage win.

 

”There was a head wind when I attacked and it was hard. I decided to go because [Tony] Gallopin was in front after the downhill and he's a good one so I thought it's be a good chance to have better co-operation with 17 riders just being two. On the climb, I dropped him and I carried on alone. I hoped someone would come up but nobody came so I just carried on alone. It's impressive but it comes from people getting dropped in the climb. I think everyone was quite tired after the last two days.

 

"When you're in a so-called bigger team you always have an objective. Normally it's to do with general classification and they use up pretty much every rider for that one goal. But in this team we don't have a GC rider, which leaves us free to pick our stages so I have more opportunities and I take them.

 

"I did once go for GC in Tirreno-Adriatico and I was sixth or seventh. But for me I'd rather win one race than be 10 times in the top 10 and maybe I'm stupid because you get paid less. But I race for passion not money. Yeah, I don't like GC. I think it's boring sometimes; six, seven, ten teams in the front protecting one guy. I don't know. I have three days this year which will always be in my head and like really nice beautiful ways to win, and that's why I race.

 

"I don't think I go under the radar now. I think people know that they need to try and follow me and it's harder but in the end if you have a lot of wattage and you're efficient in the bike. I race for passion. I don't like GC. For me, ten teams on the front protecting one guy… for me that's not why I race my bike. I race for days like today and for really beautiful ways to win.

 

“I studied the road book every day and I tried to look the stage that seemed easiest. I search for freedom. The guys know who I am and I'm not dangerous overall. When it is a question of watts and power, I'm not bad.”

 

Sports director Jean-Pierre Heynderickx said:

 

“It was an unreal day today, the best for Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka so far. Steve was really strong, it was a great solo. We also wanted to get the Polka Dot jersey back onto Daniel’s shoulders and were able to do so. With two stage wins through Edvald and Steve, and the wins in the Points classification through Edvald and the KOM classification through Daniel it was simply an amazing week!”

 

Romain Bardet after second place: Pinot is still the best French GC rider

"It's a great performance,” Romain Bardet said. “The week was not easy. We went for the second place all together in the team. I raced on instinct.

 

”To be honest, I was very disappointed last night. Today I realize that it will serve me for the future. I learned a lot from yesterday's stage. I do not take pleasure to ride without attacking, and riding on the defensive. We must find a balance. Emotionally, it is a nice eventful race, the Dauphiné.

 

“It's been a hard week and a hard day but the feelings got better and better throughout the week. In the finale, I knew that I had a good chance to keep my spot on the podium if I managed to follow Dan Martin.

 

”To finish the Dauphiné second to Chris Froome is important for my career. Every time I've had good results here I've had a good Tour de France after. I hope to keep going this way.

 

”On Saturday, I still rode on instinct. I was on the Madeleine and I attacked. We were not rewarded for our efforts. We were disappointed, but I knew I had a good feeling. There was one last stage, 150 km long.

 

”On Saturday I was very disappointed, I couldn’t hide my disappointment. I had very little sleep last night because I saw the missed opportunity. If I had not made error of assessment in the final, I would have had the jersey this morning but then I would perhaps not have been second overall  because of the pressure. I thought: I can not afford to have regrets today.

 

”This is not what I like in the modern cucling: it's hard to be at 100% of my physical abilities when I am simply on the defensive. I know this is a racing mode that gives results in the World Tour but there are exceptions like this week at the Dauphiné where we can find the right balance between attacking and defending on this final stage . A week to defend a 4th or 6th place does not interest me. It is not in this light that I see my sport.

 

”It's a bit like my Tour de France last year: a roller coaster. I think it's more fun, emotionally, to do a Tour without asperity. In modern cycling, I just get bored when I see that the races are controlled and where everyone defends his place. I do not find that very satisfying. There are riders in the peloton who inspire me. Contador did not hesitate to attack 50 kilometers from the finish yesterday.

 

Today I was especially careful not to be surprised by Dan Martin. Sometimes I also have to be defensive. Yesterday I was not clear and I thought: think clearly. I had one wish, to ride with Contador and then I made the account and I thought to myself, you have no interest in riding. I tried to manage my emotions a bit because it is often what serves me. I think I've matured a lot and it marks a progression in my career.

 

”This is the highest-level cycling. I was waiting for a chance. I really ready at the top of the Col du Noyer. I capitalized on my strengths. I tried to catch them by surprise but no, I have no regrets because I think we were there, the four of us. The fight was nice.

 

”Pinot is still the best Frenchman. Look at his early season! We are different riders at a different level of maturity. Everybody makes his own progression. We get along very well. Our performances stimulate each other. Thibaut is at a more mature stage than me and he made a start to the season which puts him at the top of the world rankings. French cycling can only be on a good way. It's not just us. Look at what Julian Alaphilippe did at this Dauphiné. We have Warren Barguil and Pierre Rolland who do not make noise but will have a great Tour de France. It's good. It was easy to point to the Frenchmen who were not at the level. Now we have a lot in the top 10. Then there are the race circumstances where the shape of everybody determines the results but it's nice.

 

”We will see what happens at the Tour. I'm not going to announce tonight that I change my ambitions. There will be no specific target. I'll try to have fun, do like I did this week. That's how it works. It is not because I was second at the Dauphine that I will be with the champions because I know that on some crucial climbs, I'm missing a little something. With the fatigue that sets in, I can raise my level but I lack a bit of consistency. I'm still in the learning phase and in progression. It is important not to get carried away and keep a cool head. And keep this good performance.

 

"I will assess my level of fatigue in the coming days. We need to work on small things, I think I can raise my level when responding to attacks because it cost me a bit in Friday in Vaujany but I do not forget that I must be at my bestin the third week of the Tour.

 

New diet and new home help Dan Martin to make history at the Dauphiné

Until this year, in the seven decades that have passed since the Criterium du Dauphiné was created, no Irish rider managed to conclude the event on the podium, best ever result of the country being a 6th place, 32 years ago. All these stats changed on Sunday after Dan Martin's cracking ride in the final stage of the 68th edition, at the end of which he notched another podium, the 6 seconds he took for coming second and the ones he opened on the road helping him jump in the standings and complete the pre-Tour de France test in third, behind winner Chris Froome (Team Sky) and Romain Bardet (AG2R), but ahead of two other riders he's expected to fight against in July, Richie Porte (BMC) and Alberto Contador (Tinkoff).

 

A tough mountain test, stage 7 set off from Le Pont-de-Claix and went over five categorized climbs before the final obstacle of the day, the third-category Superdévoluy (3.8 kilometers, 5.9%), which was returning to the race after a three-year hiatus. Long before that, Tony Martin moved to the front of the reduced peloton and his mammoth effort trimmed the bunch, while reeling in all bar one of the day's 20 escapees, Stephen Cummings (Dimension Data), who was more than four minutes up the road with around 30 kilometers remaining.

 

The pace became really fierce on Col du Noyer when Contador attacked, a move which blew up the peloton and had only a handful of riders react. The Spaniard launched a flurry of attacks on the final two kilometers, but yellow jersey Chris Froome sticked to his wheel and didn't give the 33-year-old any space. Both Dan Martin and Julian Alaphilippe were distanced on the tough 10% slopes and crested the top of the first-category climb with a 15-second deficit, which they eventually overcame on the fast descent leading to Superdévoluy.

 

Other riders joined the group, which was growing in numbers, and with the win being in Stephen Cumming's bag, they fought for the podium places and the bonus seconds which were up for grabs. Martin patiently waited for the right moment before opening his super kick, and when he did, no one could pass and stop him from getting another podium at the French event. Romain Bardet rounded out the podium, while Julian Alaphilippe came in the same time and notched his sixth top 10 placing in the Criterium du Dauphiné, a well-deserved result which proved once again his incredible consistency and versatility.

 

"Today we wanted to try to win the stage and get the bonus seconds, because it would have helped us secure the podium, but when Cummings went he was too far ahead, so we changed the plan and we focused on improving our general classification. On the second-to-last climb, Contador attacked and I suffered, but I managed to come back on the downhill. We were aware there was a strong headwind on the final ascent, so I waited for as long as possible before accelerating. Bardet was following me, but I went full gas and never looked over my shoulder. After crossing the line I had no idea I was in the top 3, it was only on my way to the bus that our sport director Jan Schaffrath told me that I climbed in the GC", said Dan Martin after securing his second World Tour top 3 of the season, following the one in March's Volta a Catalunya.

 

With Dauphiné being a wrap, Dan Martin will now turn his attention to the next goal of the season, the Tour de France, which will kick off in three weeks' time:

 

”I am happy with this result and the week I had, the team was really great and always there by my side. It was one of our best races this season.

 

"This achievement makes me really proud, to be the first one that does something special for my country is fantastic. I'm going home satisfied and motivated to continue my preparation for the Tour de France and work on my explosiveness. My goal is to be ready, fresh and as relaxed as possible at the start of the Tour."

 

“I'm glad to be the first Irishman on the podium of the Dauphiné. There aren't many first in Irish cycling so that's pretty special. I didn't know I was on the podium. I rode two kilometers and went straight to the bus after I crossed the line. I didn't expect to be on the podium.

 

”After the guys did so much work, second in the stage was the best possible finish. I also wanted to take the time bonus to stop Yates from taking the white jersey from Julian Alaphilippe.

 

”We rode so much before because we wanted to win the stage! But Steve was too strong. Every day of this week I told him it was his day but I didn't this morning! He rode incredibly well. There was no way to catch him.

 

"I moved to Andorra last year in April. Since then I did a lot more training in the mountains. I also changed my diet a little, not too much but I just saw that things were not working well with my body. I lost a few kilos because of that. I feel better on the climbs, stronger and more confident too. The Specialized bikes suit me much better than the previous sponsors that I had, and it helps me to feel much better on my bike. And in the end, it all seems to pay off. Now we will see what happens at the Tour de France.

 

"For the Tour, it will be important to avoid crashes and getting sick.With the legs, I think they can take me into  the battle for a Top10 ... but that's the Tour. Everything can happen.

 

Surprised Julian Alaphilippe: I think I have turned a corner

Riding the Criterium du Dauphiné for the third time in a row, Julian Alaphilippe enjoyed his best World Tour stage race since turning pro, finishing sixth in the overall standings and winning the young riders classification. The first Frenchman in five years to take the white jersey, Alaphilippe was over the moon after the sterling week he had in his home race:

 

"I can't express in words how happy I am. At the start of the competition I wasn't expecting such a result, but things went better with every day that passed and I began to believe in my chances. The last stages, when we hit high altitude, were difficult, but helped by a great team which gave 110% for me I stayed motivated and pushed hard. Now I will go home and recover before starting to build up for the National Championships.

 

“It was a stressful and difficult stage. We took our responsibilities with Etixx but Cummings was very strong. I'm very happy to have pushed my limits to the maximum. I struggled a bit in the second last climb then I came across and I focused on the finishing line. Of course this is a confidence booster week and I surprised myself. Now I'll have to keep working in the right direction.

 

"It was an excellent race for me and for the whole team. Now I have time to recover and think about the next events. But honestly I do not know yet if I will be at the Tour de France.”

 

"I'm really surprised. I have never had such sensations. I seem to have turned a corner. This is a first for me to rub shoulders with the best in the mountains.”

 

Near-crash costs Richie Porte a podium spot at the Dauphiné

The final stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné saw a shake up of the General Classification, with Richie Porte finishing fourth overall.

 

Porte started the day sitting in second place and raced well all day, before he almost crashed into the barriers in the final 500 meters and was forced to re-start his sprint to the line.

 

Porte crossed the line in ninth place but bonus seconds and a time gap saw Romain Bardet (AG2R) and Daniel Martin (Etixx-Quick Step) jump above Porte in the final classification.

 

The Critérium du Dauphiné wraps up Porte’s pre-Tour de France racing campaign.

 

Richie Porte said:

 

“I found myself almost in the barriers and had to stop and that’s when the group went and that’s when my podium was lost. It’s just one of those things. I was there all week and today I had a much better day, so it’s just a shame to finish on such a bad note. But I think it will keep me hungry for July.

 

“I thought I may have still finished third. To almost crash in the last 500 meters of the whole race is a disappointing way to end a fantastic week. It’s just a racing incident. Everyone’s on the limit and it’s just one of those things that happen.

 

“Yesterday I had a bit of a bad day but I didn’t lose that much. Today I felt great. It was a hard stage, and a hard race in general, but I bounced back really well. I’m quite happy with the form and the way things are lining up for July.”

 

Sports director Valerio Piva said:

 

“We had second place on GC heading into today and we lost it in the last sprint. From this mistake we missed out on the podium which is really unfortunate. It’s a big disappointment for both Richie and the team. His performance here was very good. He was again at the top level today, he was there all day, jumping in the movement with Froome, Contador and Bardet. Then everything camp back and we had 20 riders or so on the final climb. We are disappointed but we are also really happy to be here with a strong leader and a team that worked really well together.

 

“Richie’s condition is good. He didn’t have the best day yesterday but recovered well to come back good today, which is a great sign for the Tour de France. He deserved to be on the podium so it’s a shame that it didn’t happen that way.”

 

Alberto Contador: My preparation couldn’t have been any better

In similar form to yesterday’s Queen Stage, Alberto Contador went on the attack on the day’s toughest climb an incredible three times before finishing just outside the top ten in the final push for the finish. After a strong performance throughout the week, Contador finished the race 5th overall.

 

Contador was well aware how much effort he was causing the yellow jersey’s domestiques to put in.

 

"I tried my best until the very end. In the last climb, which was long and quite windy. In the previous climb, which was shorter but steeper, I tried to attack as well but I still don't have the rhythm. I saw that Sky started pulling but we decided to keep our pace and we saw them one by one being dropped until Froome was left alone.”

 

Sport Director, Steven De Jongh, saw how close the Spanish rider’s attacks came to sticking.

 

“Alberto was feeling good and so he tried to go on the Col du Noyer. For a time it looked good for him and it looked like he might get away, but everything came back together.”

 

De Jongh was supportive of the whole team’s efforts, and was pleased to see a rider in the breakaway again, as well as a worthy stage winner.

 

“It was good to be in the breakaway for the second day in a row with Kiserlovski. Steve Cummings did a fantastic job today though, putting on a big show. It was a really good outcome for him.”

 

Coming into the race top of the UCI WorldTour rankings after top performances in the season’s early races and finishing fifth in the GC today and after some strong performances throughout the week, the race was all about Contador and the team putting in some last checks of their form and abilities in advance of the Tour de France, and it was clear that Contador had done what he set out to do, taking a stage win, wearing the yellow jersey for four days and launching some incredibly aggressive attacks multiple times on the very hardest climbs of the race, putting the hurt into his rivals.

 

After a hard-fought race where the Tinkoff leader was in contention for the GC and was competitive on every stage, Contador was pleased with the outcome of the race.

 

“I am very happy with the way I feel and I think my preparation couldn't have been better. In the end I finished fifth but that doesn't bother me. Second or fifth doesn't change anything because the goal was to keep improving my form. We achieved it as we also scored a stage win on a day in which one could assess if he legs were strong or not. I'm happy and very motivated to recover, assimilate the work done here and reach the Tour in optimal form.”

 

Looking back on the race, De Jongh was pleased with how the whole team was coming together ahead of the Tour de France.

 

“We can be happy we made a step forward, and now we’re going to work towards the tour. It was a good race and a good performance for the team all round. We had a good couple of days, and the last week of the tour is still a long way away so there’s time to look at our performance and prepare. We’re happy with what we got out of the race – we were up front a lot of the race, controlling the pace, and are looking forward to the Tour. We’re definitely going in the right direction.”

 

Contador’s strong performance in the race was buoyed by his top ranking in the UCI WorldTour – something that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of their sponsors.

 

“Last but certainly not least, I now lead the UCI WorldTour ranking. It was never a goal but, obviously, every rider is happy to reach that position. It also is a bonus to the sponsor, Tinkoff Bank, and Oleg Tinkov that have shown their strong support. We lead the team ranking and sit on the two top spots of the individual ranking."

 

Strong Adam Yates narrowly misses out on white jersey at the Dauphiné

Briton Adam Yates finished in fifth place on the final stage of the Criterium du Dauphine today, taking seventh on the general classification for ORICA-GreenEDGEafter a string of impressive performances in the French Alps.

 

Christopher Froome (Team-Sky) won the race ahead of Alberto Conatdor (Tinkoff) after a series of attacks on the final two climbs with Romain Bardet (AG2R-Mondiale) in second place and Daniel Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) completing the podium in third.

 

Yates rode well throughout the week with a third place finish on stage five the highlight for ORICA-GreenEDGE as the 23-year old continues to impress in his preparations for this years Tour de France.

 

The team raced intelligently again today with South African Daryl Impey infiltrating the breakaway on yet another mountain stage and then providing valuable support for Yates in the final 30kilometres.

 

Sport director Laurenzo Lapage was pleased with how the race went for ORICA-GreenEDGE and in particular with the condition of Yates in the mountains.

 

“Im very proud of the team and their performances this week,” said Lapage. “This is not an easy race and the last three days in the mountains have been especially difficult.

 

“Adam (Yates) gave it everything again today and secured a great result for us and was also very close to winning the young riders jersey.

 

“His progression is a good sign for the upcoming Tour de France and also the attitude of our guys has been exemplary."

 

Lapage went on to praise the selfless work of Jens Keukeleire, Simon Gerrans,Christian Meier, Jack Haig and serial breakaway rider Impey.

 

“Jack (Haig) has been very impressive over the last couple of days in the mountains and the climbers would not get these oppurtunities without the work of Simon (Gerrans), Christian (Meier), Jens (Keukeleire) and Impey.

 

“Everyone gave the maximum and you cannot ask for anything more. We look forward to a little break now before the next races and we can all be happy with what we achieved here.”

 

Diego Rosa proves his potential with top 10 at the Dauphiné

“I did my best on the Col de Noyer because I knew it could have been decisive for the GC,” explained Diego Rosa on the Team Bus after the end of the race. “Today we went super fast since the start and I’ve seen many riders very tired, after one week racing at this high rhythm. Together with three other riders I regained the wheels of the GC leaders after just a few km of the Noyer descent and I thought it could be good for me to climb some positions in the GC. Then a few other riders caught us from behind and the final climb to the finish didn’t allow me to do any action: I had also quite good legs but I’m not fast enough to fight with Martin in a finish like this.

 

“Anyway, I think it has been a very positive experience: I was at my first participation at Critérium du Dauphiné and to finish it in 8th position at only 1’13” from the winner is a good result.

 

The French race has been positive for the Astana Pro Team with one stage victory for Fabio Aru, the good result in the GC for Diego Rosa and a constant presence in the escapes that characterized this edition.

 

Louis Meintjes on track for great Tour de France with top 10 at the Dauphiné

Louis Meintjes once again delivered a top quality performance in the Criterium du Dauphiné, which gave him the 8th place in the stage standing and the 9th position in the final general classification.

In the final stage of the World Tour French race, LAMPRE-MERIDA's rider competed with all the the top riders, showing his great climbing skills on the 6 categorized climbs of the course.

On the penultimate climb, Meintjes focused his attention on a regular speed which allowed him to reach the summit of the ascent with Yates and Rosa a few seconds from the main group and got back on the descent.

Meintjes was also third in the battle for the white jersey. His teammate Tsgabu Grmay obtained the 2nd place in the mountains classification, 5 points behind the winner Teklehaimanot.

"I'm happy I could compete with the top climbers in the three mountains stages. I had good feedbacks which confirmed that I worked properly in the past weeks,” Meintjes said. “Moreover, I received a perfect support from my team mates: we were a young group which cooperated in an amazing way.
 

”Now I'll continue training hard for coming back to France in July with the goal of continuing the series of good performances I opened here at the Dauphiné.”

 

Lotto Soudal close to several stage wins at the Dauphiné

For Lotto Soudal, Bart De Clercq could hang on in the group of GC riders and was thirteenth. He’s eighteenth on GC.

 

On Monday Jens Debusschere was close to victory, but it was Nacer Bouhanni who won. On Thursday Debusschere got fourth. After a brilliant attack of Tony Gallopin on Tuesday, he was second. It was only Jesús Herrada who passed him by.

 

Sports director Herman Frison said:

 

“We came close to the victory this week, both Jens Debusschere and Tony Gallopin almost won a stage. You always need some luck. We didn’t come here for an overall result, like I had said beforehand. The Dauphiné was really hard with many top riders at the start here, preparing for the Tour. Also for our riders this was a good race to get ready for what’s coming.

 

“Unfortunately Kris Boeckmans had to abandon the race due to an allergic reaction after he got stung by a wasp. Tomasz Marczynski didn’t start today because of a perineal injury and problems with his back. During the stage also Debusschere, Dockx and Vervaeke quit, but that was only because there was no point in forcing anything.”

 

George Bennett takes massive step at the Dauphiné

George Bennett finished 14th overall in the Criterium du Dauphiné today. Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s climber took 19th in the final stage and moved up one spot. Stephen Cummings (Team Dimension Data) won the final stage and Chris Froome (Team Sky) the general classification.

 

“George Bennett improved a lot this week,” Sports Director Merijn Zeeman said. “He delivered a strong performance and we’re glad about that. This 14th place is a big step in the right direction for him and more than we expected as well. He was supported by Alexey Vermeulen for a long time today. Alexey is still very young and it’s great to see that he’s getting better. He delivered a strong race this week.”

 

The flat stages were not so kind to the team.

 

“In the two stages that ended up in a bunch sprint, we were not present enough,” the sports director added. “We’re not satisfied with that and we have to develop that part. Moreno Hofland showed his physical capabilities, on the other hand. This was a hard Dauphiné and he came through it quite well.”

 

Stef Clement and Jerome Coppel earn huge praise for Dauphiné performance

Lionel Marie, who along with Eddy Seigneur is acting as a directeur sportif for IAM at the Dauphiné, said:

 

“I’ve seen our riders apply themselves throughout the week. Those who are likely to go to the Tour de France are ready.  For the others, this event has been a great learning opportunity.  Sondre Holst Enger discovered the high mountains. Oliver Naesen, often overly generous in his efforts, learned to conserve throughout a stage.  Jérôme Coppel and Stef Clement went beyond my expectations.  And then finally, Clement Chevrier and Jonathan Fumeaux did a ton of work throughout this Dauphiné.  Their efforts helped the team immensely.”

 

“I have only two words to say: chapeau and respect.” Lionel Marie said about Clement and Coppel. 

 

“Before a race, we tend to do a big block of training,” Stef Clement explained.  “Ultimately, my injury was a blessing in disguise.  I was forced into a period of rest.  I worked well during the altitude training camp, and I arrived at the Dauphiné relatively fresh.  That is the reason I have been so strong this week.  I am a happy man.”

 

Finishing the stage with the favorites such as Contador, Froome and Porte at the top of the Superdévoluy climb, Stef Clement has earned himself a good place in the overall standings.  Having taken fourteenth in the stage, he has seized fifteenth place overall, 5'48' behind the winner Christopher Froome.

 

“The goal was to test Sondre Holst Enger at the World Tour level,” said Lionel Marie.  “He responded well, although we are still left feeling hungry.  But one thing is for sure, he showed great concentration, which is something that he lacked earlier in the season.  And then with Aleksejs Saramotins and Oliver Naesen, he was able to find a good rhythm for working together.  This bodes well for the future.”

 

Heavy legs cost Thiabut Pinot a spot in the top 10 at the Dauphiné

With heavy legs after his feat of the previous day, Thibaut Pinot could not defend his Top 10 or his polka dot jersey but the leader of the FDJ team is pleased to have achieved his objective.

 

"I have sore legs, he said at the start. “I arrived late at the hotel, I did not sleep very well and obviously, there was a small celebration. I'll try to do the best.”

 

In the early stage, Pinot tried to join a breakaway but quickly realized he would not get the freedom

 

"Thibaut tried repeatedly to escape,” says sports director Yvon Madiot, “but Team Sky had asked Wout Poels to monitor him and prevent him from escaping. After a moment, he had sore legs and therefore he suffered. The main thing for us is to have achieved the goal of a stage win because we knew that he could not go for the general. From the perspective of the team, it was operational.  Thibaut had a little doubt on the road to Vaujany. Sébastien Reichebach suffered a bit this week but after talking with him, he is not worried. He had worked before this event and needed a break. For the Tour, he will be ready.”

 

After two days of recovery and small training rides, Pinot will prepare for the French TT championships, working on intensity over the weekend.

 

"I wanted to escape but there was always a Sky rider in the wheel, Henao or Landa,” Pinot told L’Equipe. “After 30 km I had lost a lot of energy. For the mountains jersey, I realized it was over, I could not follow both Teklehaimanot and Grmay.
 

"With Jérémy Roy in front, we played his card. I finally cracked. But I know why I have not recovered from my effort: we arrived late at the hotel, I ate late, I was massaged later. The night was not ideal.”
 
His coach and brother Julien added:

 

"Thibaut is not alone, others like Aru, Mollema and Rodriguez are far below him. It's not like he was completely off the mark all week. He rebounded by winning the queen stage. To achieve this requires a huge mental strength and we know that Thibaut has that. Some of his rivals are already at 100% of their form. Thibaut is at 90%."

 

Difficult final day for Emanuel Buchmann at the Dauphiné

Enrico Poitschke, sports director of BORA – ARGON 18 expected a fast start of the race. This time also Emanuel Buchmann should try to go in an early break to position himself well for an attack in the final.

 

BORA – ARGON 18 got Paul Voss and Bartosz Huzarski into the break. Voss ended of in a chase group behind Cummings but was caught in the finale. Here Emanuel Buchmann struggled to follow the pace of the favourites.

 

Buchmann climbed at his own rhythm and he was able to overtake some guys who over paced at the bottom of the climb. In the end he finished in 22nd place which gave him 20th place in the final GC

 

“I think I can be satisfied with my week here. Today I had really bad legs and I knew that it would be a hard day trying to not lose too much time in the end. On the last cat. 1 climb I could not follow the favourites anymore and then went the last 10k at my own rhythm. Now I just need a good recovery and then the Tour de France can come,” Emanuel Buchmann said.

 

Difficult final weekend for Movistar at the Dauphiné

The final stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné - 151km between Le-Pont-de-Claix and Superdévoluy - came down to a superb solo win by Stephen Cummings (DDD), with overall honours going to Chris Froome (SKY), yellow jersey holder from Vaujany's summit on Friday, for the third time in his career. The Movistar Team closed the sixteenth race of the 2016 UCI WorldTour calendar with one stage win, Tuesday's by Jesús Herrada in Chalmazel, and some good battles from his team-mates to make the early breaks on every mountain day. In this final trek, it was the turn for Nelson Oliveira.

 

The Portuguese allrounder was part of the initial 20-man move created after the descent of the Terrasses climb (Cat-2). Marc Soler was also close to entering that big front group, yet the presence of Rolland (CPT) in his counterattack made SKY uncomfortable, the black and blue train chasing them down immediately.  On Moissière (Cat-1), the still-reigning Portuguese TT champion lost contact with his group, as Soler and Dani Moreno were subsequently dropped on the Col du Noyer (Cat-1). Dayer Quintana, the Blues' best performer today, and Moreno both finished in the top-30 overall.

 

Sick Joaquim Rodriguez abandons the Criterium du Dauphiné

Sunday’s stage 7 brought the conclusion of the 68th Criterium du Dauphiné but no results for Team KATUSHA after a week of trying to make something happen. Lessons were learned however, and head sports director José Azevedo feels the team is still in good position for the upcoming Tour de France in July.

 

”Honestly we didn’t expect this lack of results in the Dauphiné. We came here with two goals – one was for a top ten finish in the GC and the other was to try to win a stage with Alexander Kristoff. We didn’t get those things , but the guys tried every day – on the flat stages we controlled the race and Alex was close to winning on one day. Then in the mountains Joaquim Rodriguez finished tenth on the first day and then Jurgen Van den Broeck went in the break for two days. Just like yesterday he spent today half a stage in the front group. Every day we were on the front fighting for a stage. The results show nothing for our team but if you look at the condition of the riders it’s good for this moment. But after yesterday’s stage 'Purito' had a sore throat, and this morning it was worse, so although he started the stage we felt it was better if he stopped in the feed zone today and not take any more risks since he was not in contention for the GC. We hope now he can recover in the next days as he prepares for the Tour de France,” said director José Azevedo.

 

”Here at the Dauphiné we learned many things, both from the riders on our team and those on other teams. We can see the condition of the other riders that will be in the Tour, plus our own, so now we will do our analysis.  We will be making our final team selection soon,” concluded Azevedo.

 

Gasparotto and Thurau out of the Dauphiné due to low cortisol levels

Wanty riders Enrico Gasparotto and Björn Thurau did not start in the last stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné on Sunday. 
 

Tests were carried out on Saturday morning on behalf of the Movement for a Credible Cycling (MPCC) association to check their cortisol level. Due to the low cortisol level the two riders will not race for a period of minimum eight days in accordance with the MPCC’s article 9. 
 

The two riders were treated by their respective doctor for inflammation. The monitoring will be conducted in collaboration with the concerned people. 
 

As the MPCC confirms on its website www.mpcc.fr, the test does not concern an anti-doping control.
The team confirms more than ever its adhesion to the MPCC and its values.

 

Sore throat takes Bauke Mollema out of the Dauphiné

The Critérium du Dauphiné concluded on Sunday with one rider – Steve Cummings (Dimension Data) - soloing to victory from the day's breakaway while behind the GC battle ended at the line with a reshuffling of the final podium behind Chris Froome (Sky) who sealed the overall win.

 

For Trek-Segafredo, the fight for the overall ended in yesterday's stage five when Bauke Mollema, feeling the effects of a sore throat, eased off the pace on the Col de la Madeleine, knowing pushing through could prove detrimental. 

 

Although Mollema put on a brave face and started the final stage six Sunday, it was soon apparent there would be no miracle cure: Mollema pulled over and stopped in the feed zone.

 

Mollema explained: "It was not a good day yesterday, and I did not have the legs to do a top 10 on GC, and I did not want to risk anything, go full-gas to get 20th or 30th in the stage, so I just did my own pace.

 

"Today I felt a little bit worse than yesterday. Normally, when I am suffering in the race, I am in the first 10 or 20 riders, but now I was suffering, and there were still 60-70 guys left. It was not the moment to take any risks, and go too deep today, just to be in the grupetto. That's why I stopped in the feed zone. It is better to stop now and recover. I had a throat infection the last few days, in general, I feel okay, but it probably takes some energy for the body to recover, so I miss some energy in the legs.

 

"It has been a good week; it has gone well until the last few days. From here a few days at home to rest,  then back to the Alps for some good uphill training and altitude and last preparations for the Tour."

 

While Maollema climbed into the team car, Ryder Hesjedal was duking it out in the key breakaway of the 151-kilometer stage. However, Cummings' attack on the category-one climb exploded the group; as Cummings set off on a long solo journey, the rest of the breakaway were eventually swept up by the peloton, including Hesjedal.

 

Alain Gallopin, director summed up the stage and week: "In the pre-race meeting I pushed the team to react today, and they tried. Ryder jumped at the start to get in the breakaway – Bauke, too, he was in the first big breakaway, but it was too much for him with the sickness. Then later when Ryder went, you could see that there are no miracles in cycling. He tried, but he did not feel good yesterday, and today he was the same. Haimar (Zubeldia) did well today, he was with the GC favorites until the last climb.

 

"Today I saw a very tired peloton after three days in the mountains, and the short stages make it more difficult. But the good news is that Edward (Theuns) able to pass the mountains well – same with Julien (Bernard).

 

"Bauke has had a sore throat for a few days, yesterday he tried to give the maximum in the Madeleine, but it was too much for him. When it's not possible to do a top 10, it is better to stop pushing and use it for training, so he went his own rhythm.

 

"Today, he tried again, but he was not better, and it was better that he stop all-together. The Tour de France is the most important goal, and we don't want to put him into a hole. Last year Bauke was not good here either, and he was 7th at the Tour. It is still far."

 

John Degenkolb makes great progress at the Dauphiné

For Team Giant-Alpecin it was another day of survival and John Degenkolb came in first for the team at 94th, 30 minutes behind the winner.

 

John Degenkolb said: “Once again it was a tough stage, but my condition has improved day by day over the course of the week and I am satisfied with my progress.”

 

“I was part of the break at the beginning of the stage, but the climbers went too hard for me on the climbs. But overall I am happy with my climbing performance this week,” said Koen de Kort.

 

Coach Arthur Van Dongen added: “The plan was to get in the break today. The guys showed a lot of character and Koen was in the break for a while. All riders finished the race and we can be satisfied with this.”

 

“Our plan was to work on our lead-out train and we improved it during every sprint stage,” explained coach Aike Visbeek. “Also physically the conditions of the riders have improved a lot over the course of the week. This Dauphine gives confidence as it was a hard race and seeing the guys finishing after three hard mountain stages show that the riders are on a good level.”