After his horrific crash in last year's Tour de France, Jurgen Van Den Broeck has had a hard time getting back to his highest level but it seems that he has finally made it. Today he finished fourth in the first mountain stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné and he was pleased to have put a period of uncertainty behind him.

With 3000 altitude meters and a finish after 13.6 km of climbing on the Col du Béal day two was another test in the Critérium du Dauphiné after yesterday's time trial. The untouchable Froome and Contador, and next to them Kelderman, Talansky, Nibali and Jurgen Van den Broeck were the leading actors in the second stage of the Dauphiné.

The Lotto Belisol rider nicely became fourth, at ten seconds of winner Chris Froome, and continued his strong beginning of yesterday.

The peloton had to cover a stage of 156 kilometers with start in Tarare. The finish line was drawn on the Col du Béal. This hors catégorie climb is 13.6 kilometers long and has an average gradient of 6.6%. Between the start and the foot of the final climb were five other climbs, among it three of second category. For a long time five riders rode in front. On the Col du Béal Alessandro de Marchi was the last one to be caught by the group of favourites.

Chris Froome opened the debates. First Alberto Contador rode towards him. Then Jurgen Van den Broeck joined them with Wilco Kelderman and Vincenzo Nibali. Andrew Talansky bridged as well. The six entered the final kilometer together. Froome could celebrate for the second day in a row. Contador got second again. Kelderman finished as third. The fourth place was for Jurgen Van den Broeck. Thanks to this result he climbs to the fifth place in GC and follows at 35 seconds of leader Froome. Tony Gallopin was the second Lotto Belisol rider today, he became fifteenth.

"This is the Dauphiné, not the Tour de France, but after the time trial of yesterday also the first mountain stage worked out perfectly," Van Den Broeck said. "I was convinced the shape was good when I came to this race, but this result gives confidence as well. If this is a dream scenario? We look at it day by day, it's obvious that Froome and Contador are the best here, but this opens up perspectives. Working hard and being rewarded for it is so nice.

"It was obvious that the last climb could make a selection. Sky set a high pace and when his last teammate set himself aside Froome took over. Unbelievable which sprints he placed, but Contador stayed in his wheel.

"I held onto my own rhythm and could join them again each time. Nibali and Talansky had to let go as well, but came back; at the end they got dropped again. It's of course very pleasant to be riding in the mountains with the top riders."