Soft ride before the mountains
09 June 2011

It was a calm day with no importance for the GC outcome in the Critérium du Dauphiné. The French event covered its fourth stage today over a 172k route with no major complication, which saw the second sprinting victory by German John Degenkolb (THR).

Movistar Team have saved energy for their leader Rui Costa, well protected and keeping his white jersey as best young rider in the race thanks to his fifth position in the general classification led by Bradley Wiggins (SKY). The Alpine tour will get decided from Friday as three mountain stages are covered in a row. The first one will ride across 207 kilometers from Villars-les-Dombes to Les Gets, with two Cat. 2 climbs including the first uphill finish of the weekend.