Bart De Clercq chose to join a breakaway in the last stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné. The Belgian was one of the last to join a front group of thirteen. Stephen Cummings was the one who could stay in front the longest, but on the final climb the GC riders passed him by. Chris Froome rode solo towards the stage win and overall victory. Bart De Clercq is fifteenth overall at just under ten minutes of the Briton.

“I already tried yesterday to get away with a group of strong escapees, but Astana didn’t let it happen, then another group bridged to the leaders," he said. "A few of them got a top ten result, while today it was obvious quite soon that Sky wanted to take the bonus seconds to get the overall victory with Froome. We had a maximal advantage of three minutes and although we were ahead with some strong climbers, it wasn’t enough to fight for the stage win.

"I think the fifteenth place overall is correct for my level in this Dauphiné. Next week I’ll ride the road race at the European Games in Baku and then it’s waiting to see if I’m selected for the Tour.”

Team manager Marc Sergeant looks back on the Dauphiné of Lotto Soudal.

“I think our performance in the Dauphiné was solid," HE SAID. "In almost all stages we made the race. Tiesj Benoot was fourth in the first stage and got far in the mountain stage on Friday, Tony Gallopin was fourth in that epic rainy stage. Tosh Van der Sande animated the longest stage with a breakaway. Bart De Clercq has become fifteenth overall and Pim Ligthart joined a breakaway yesterday.

"Also Tim Wellens tried to show himself, but unfortunately he had to leave the race because of saddle sore. A few days rest should be enough, so he will be able to resume his Tour preparation next week. Tuesday he’ll leave for another training camp. Kris Boeckmans and especially Gert Dockx are the biggest victims this week.”