Arnaud Courteille is no longer the same rider. Two weeks after he finished the Giro, he is transformed.

After his attack on the second stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné, he was again part of a small group in yesterday's stage to Pra Loup but it was his performance in today's eipc stage that showed his progress.

"What Arnaud has done this week is really great. Every day he does well and this will be important for his career. He is not the same rider," FDJ sports director Thierry Bricaud said.

Yesterday Courteille was caught just before the top of the difficult Col d'Allos. Today he had confirmation in Dantesque weather conditions.

Nibali took advantage of the fast start to attack after 70km. The peloton exploded to pieces and after a small regrouping, Courteille was still part of the small peloton. The pace was increased in the final but he limited his losses to finish in the top 20.

During the stage, Arnold Jeannesson and Murilo Fischer who needs rest after playing the Giro, abandoned.