Chris Froome was well marshalled during the fourth stage of the Criterium du Dauphine, and crossed the line in a large front group after Nacer Bouhanni had sprinted to victory in Sisteron.

Froome never looked troubled during the longest stage of the race, and remained calm and collected as attacks came flying off the front in the closing stages.

It was an uncategorised climb in the last 10km that provided the launchpad for a flurry of late moves, but with Peter Kennaugh helping to monitor the situation, things came back together in the last kilometre for the projected bunch sprint.

It was there that Bouhanni proved the fastest finisher once again, with the Cofidis rider latching on to Edvald Boasson Hagen’s wheel before rounding Norwegian for his second stage win ahead of Jonas Vangenechten (IAM Cycling) and Luka Mezgec (Giant-Alpecin).

Froome meanwhile, was one of five Team Sky riders in a group 90 who were credited with the same time as the day’s victor. Rohan Dennis was also there, and his presence ensured he stayed level with BMC Racing team-mate Tejay van Garderen at the top of the overall standings.