La Mure, 12th of June– 2014
Today’s 189.5 kilometer long fifth stage of Dauphiné Libéré from Sisteron to La Mure was a mountainous ride containing 6 categorized climbs but with a flat finish. A perfect opportunity for a group of tenacious escapees while the GC contenders were expected to spend another day in the field.
No less than 17 riders formed a promising breakaway consisting of well-known riders such as Jens Voigt (Trek Factory), Christophe le Mevel (Cofidis), Simon Spilak (Katusha) and Jan Bakelandts (Omega-Pharma Quick Step). And it was Le Mevel who lit up the fireworks going into the final as he set off from the break with 35 kilometers to go but Michaël Cherel (Ag2R) went with him and soon dropped Le Mevel.
In the meanwhile, Tinkoff-Saxo took the responsibility of the pace in the pack and in the hilly terrain, the heaviest riders were simply sliced off but as Sergio Paulinho managed to create a gap, Sky were handed the responsibility. A few minutes later, Alberto Contador launched a surprising attack and quickly bridged the gap to Paulinho who dragged his captain as long as he could. Crossing the top of the final climb 20 kilometers to go, the Tinkoff-Saxo captain had a 50 second lead to Froome.
But with 13 kilometers remaining, Contador was swept up by the group with the leader’s jersey and in the front of the race, Cherel was replaced by Simon Spilak (Katusha) now speeding towards the finish line and Spilak took the second consecutive win for Katusha.
Behind, a very rare scene of random attacks dominated the finale in the group of favorites but Alberto finished the stage side by side with Chris Froome. The Tinkoff-Saxo Spaniard is still 12 seconds behind the Sky-rider.
“Alberto’s attack was a bit of a surprise for the fans, for the field and for us as well. But I think it was a really nice surprise and a good sign of Alberto’s form and will to win. At the same time, it was a test of Chris Froome and his teammates who had to work hard to bring him back. Unfortunately, Rory Sutherland was in a crash and injured his left hand but he’s being examined as we speak.Tomorrow, I expect a tough finish and the sprinters will have to dig deep in order to make it to the finish,” said DS, Philippe Mauduit.
