Sunday, June 9, 2013

2013 Critérium du Dauphiné Stage 8 Report and Final Race Results

 
Chris Froome wins the 2013 Critérium du Dauphiné
Chris Froome demonstrated the leadership quality that he will need to lead Team Sky to a Tour De France win by taking the overall win at the Critérium du Dauphiné today. His capable lieutenant, Richie Porte finished right behind him in second place, and Daniel Moreno of Katusha rounded out the podium with a strong third place finish. The stage winner came as a surprise to many however.

Sunday’s eighth and final stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné saw the peloton ride through the worst weather of the race. Through heavy rain and cool temperatures Team Cannondale’s Alessandro De Marchi held on to take the first win of his career on top of the category 1 Montée de Risoul. De Marchi was the last survivor from a large breakaway group of over 20 riders, and the first over the finish line almost four and-a-half hours later.

The chasing peloton picked up the escapees little by little all the way up to the final climb. Five remained in front as they started the climb: De Marchi, Alberto Losada of Katusha, Travis Meyer of Orica GreenEdge, Tim Wellens of Lotto Belisol and BMC’s Manuel Quinziato. One by one the dwindling GC chasing group caught them, but they...