In the first stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné Peter Kennaugh (Team Sky) was the strongest. In a short but tough stage he left his companions behind with whom he had created a gap on the last climb of the day. At the finish line he had a few seconds left on a sprinting, reduced bunch. Modolo got second, Boasson Hagen third and Tiesj Benoot  surprisingly fourth. The Belgian of Lotto Soudal could go on stage to receive the white jersey as best young rider.

"Our plan today was to look for the victory with Tony [Gallopin], Pim [Ligthart], Kris [Boeckmans] or myself," he said. "In the last ascent to côte du Villard, we realized that Pim and Kris weren't up there any more, so I spoke with Tony and I told him I felt like going for it. I took Sacha Modolo's wheel, which was the right choice. But with 500 metres to go I realized that Peter Kennaugh was alone in the lead. However, I still sprinted and I got a good place.

"I like this kind of stages where the repetition of the same climb tires everyone. But it's too hot here. It's better with wind and rain, I'm a Flandrien! I'm delighted to get the white jersey. I'll defend it until the team time trial."