The longest stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné was an aggressive affair but in the end it all came down to a bunch sprint.

Kevin Reza who is still looking for his first win, took another 9th place after the two similar placing he achieved in the Giro.

"It seemed like a day for attackers," said FDJ coach Sebastien Joly. "It was a long stage and there was a favorable wind. The BMC and Cofidis teams did well by allowing only two riders to get clear. If they had been five, they would not have been caught."

Keizer (LottoNL Jumbo) and van der Sande (Lotto-Soudal) were caught on the final climb of the day, the Côte de la Marquise, and even though the final was marked by attacks from Wellens and Gallopin, the sprint was inevitable.

"Kevin took a new top 10 and this is proof that he has recovered well from his Giro. He remains in the fight. Now we enter the mountains and we will focus on Kenny Elissonde who is going really well. We'll take back time in the overall standings or try to win a stage," Joly said.