On paper today's stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné seemed to be tailor-made for French champion Arthur Vichot and the Frenchman made sure to be present when the break took off. In the end, however, he got dropped as he is not yet at 100% after his recent knee injury.

After winning the final stage and finishing on the podium in Paris-Nice, much was expected from Arthur Vichot in the Ardennes classics. Unfortunately, a knee injury took him out of the races that were his big target and instead of battling against the other puncheurs in the hills, he had more than a month without competition.

He returned to racing in the Bayern Rundfahrt and today he was back in the thick of the action in the hilly fifth stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné, making the 17-rider break from which eventual winner Simon Spilak emerged. Due to his lack of racing, however, Vichot is still not at 100% and so he was unable to keep up with the best.

"With the presence of riders that were dangerous for the GC, I knew that it would be complicated," he said. "I have no regrets or disappointment today. Due to a knee injury, I had two difficult months without racing and I had to skip the Ardennes classics. 

"My goal here is really to have fun and enjoy the rest of my time in the tricolour jersey. This year, I saw that the course could offer me opportunities but I have no pressure to win at all costs. I know I'm not at 100% of my form but at least I gave it everything I had."

For FDJ, the stage ended badly as GC rider Kenny Elissonde lost contact with his rivals and lost more than 4 minutes.

"I gave it everything but I was not on a good day," he said. "It's too hot and I had nothing in my legs in this stage where it was always up or down."

Finally, Yoann Offredo has been examined for his injuries sustained in a crash in the opening time trial and has been diagnosed with a fractured sternum. Nonetheless, he hopes to continue in the race.