Alberto Contador and Chris Froome may have stolen all the headlines in the Criterium du Dauphiné but just below the grand tour stars, a young American is writing his name onto the list of dark horses for the Tour de France. Yesterday Andrew Talansky even beat Chris Froome in the queen stage and he is now close to a podium spot in the prestigious race.

It has been a fierce battle for the overall win in this year's Criterium du Dauphiné but just behind Chris Froome and Alberto Contador, the competition for the final spot on the podium has been just as intense. In yesterday's queen stage, Andrew Talansky moved ahead of Wilco Kelderman and moved into third with just one stage to go.

Talansky is expected to lead Garmin-Sharp in the Tour de France after finishing 10th in his debut 12 months ago and yesterday's performance proved that he is fully ready. In fact, the American is riding so strongly that he even managed to pass Froome in the final metres to finish second among the GC riders.

Talansky got his race off to a good start when he finished fourth in the time trial but suffered a bit on Col du Beal where he chose to go at his own speed insted of following the accelerations. While Kelderman seems to be fading after a hard Giro, Talansky's condition is on the rise and he is pleasantly surprised to be up there with the very best.

“I’m definitely better than I expected,” Talansky told Velonews. “The result is better than I expected. I am where I thought I’d be, fitness-wise, but I didn’t think that would equal quite such a good result this week.

“The hardest moments were actually when Froome’s teammates, like David Lopez, Geraint Thomas, Mikel Nieve, and Richie Porte are riding, because they are putting us all on the limit. When it’s Contador versus Froome, the one-on-one battles, then it’s simple, but it’s hard when Froome’s teammates are making you suffer."

Talansky still faces one big test in today's uphill finish before he can step onto the podium but he is confident that he can hold onto his position.

“I can hold it, I’m feeling good, the team is good. Contador and Froome are going to race each other to the end. I’ll do my thing,” Talansky explained. “I’m just pleased with how things are going, a lot will change between now and the Tour de France, but it’s nice to know that everything’s on track.