Criterium du Dauphine: Tony Martin takes stage win

Germany’s Tony Martin won yesterday’s stage four time trial at the Criterium du Dauphine in France as Rohan Dennis took the overall lead.

Martin, of the Omega Pharma-Quick Step team, finished the 32.5 kilometre stage in 36 minutes 55 seconds, with Dennis a further 47 seconds back.

Team Sky’s Chris Froome rode the third fastest time of the day to finish five seconds behind Dennis, which is also the the same interval he trails him in the overall standings.

Overnight race leader David Veilleux (Europcar) slipped down into seventh overall, behind British rider Geraint Thomas – one minute nine seconds off the pace.

Garmin-Sharp rider Dennis, 23, said: “My goal was the white jersey and I receive the yellow as well. It’s a dream come true to get a yellow jersey at a World Tour event.

The Australian added: “My plan for the Dauphine was to help Andrew Talansky but, unfortunately, he fell sick. It can always be a bit of a gamble against guys like Froome and [Alberto] Contador. At the end, I’m surprised to be so close to Martin.”