The true test of the Critérium du Dauphiné began today on stage five as the race climbed over the French Alps. Team Cannondale-Garmin was ready with Andrew Talansky and Dan Martin to contend for the overall with support from their teammates. While a solo rider went away from the contenders’ group, Talansky and Martin rode strong to move into the top-ten as the race enters the tough final three stages.

“Overall it was a great day personally but especially a great day for the team,” said Talansky. “Everyone is riding extremely well as a team. All they guys kept me and Dan protected, fed and in the right position all day — particularly into the cat one climb.”

That climb, the Col d’Allos, was a 14 kilometer ascent with the steepest pitches coming at the top — followed by a very technical descent.

“Once that climb really started it was a hard day for everyone and the descent was very technical,” said Talansky.

“We averaged something like 27kph up the final climb!” He added. “Unfortunately it wasn’t quite a finish that suits my or Dan’s style that well.”

Director Sportif Andreas Klier was happy with the result of the day, especially looking ahead to three more mountain-top finishes.

“The race went well for us today,” said Klier. “Everyone did their job well today and Andrew and Dan did great on the last two climbs before the finish. The winner went on the descent but we stayed with the GC riders. We have two in the top ten with still three days to go.”