UAE Team Emirates rider Daniel Martin admits he is not in peak condition yet but is building towards being in form for the Tour de France after claiming a podium place on Stage 4 of the Criterium du Dauphine.
The Irishman almost stole the show on the first summit finish, putting in a sterling display on the climb at Lans-En-Vercors.
His efforts were rewarded with second place behind eventual winner Julian Alaphilippe, of Quick-Step Floors, in what was a thrilling finish, with Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas third.
Coming to the end of the 181km stage, Martin looked set to steal the victory with a perfectly timed attack, but Alaphilippe just about resisted and pipped the UAE Team Emirates rider to the line.
Commenting on the result, Martin said: “I feel good, I came into the race without expectations. Just race with a smile on my face, I knew I was in good condition.”
And with the 31-year-old looking to reach his best form for Le Tour next month, Martin is encouraged by his performance.
“I just don’t have that sprint yet, but it’s coming,” he added.
“I’m happy, it was a good day and the team did a good job. It’s great in the new team environment. I had good legs in training all year, but it hasn’t come together in races for some reason.
“It’s good to get that result, it’s a relief and it’s a positive sign for the next few days. I’m still waiting for the Tour de France, I’m not in top condition, but this is a good sign for July.”
The podium finish also pushes Martin up to 20th in the overall classification, 02:40 behind the new race leader, Gianni Moscon, of Team Sky.
Friday’s fifth stage, and the second of four consecutive summit finishes, ends at the popular ski resort of Valmorel. Martin and his rivals will face a 130km route featuring two climbs, both category two, in the first 20km and then the 12.7km summit finish which averages a seven per cent incline.
Stage 4 results:
- Julian Alaphilippe (Fra) Quick-Step Floors 4:26:45
- Daniel Martin (Ire) UAE Team Emirates s.t.
- Geraint Thomas (UK) Team Sky s.t.
General Classification standings:
- Gianni Moscon (Ita) Team Sky 13:55:30
- Michal Kwiatkowski (Pol) Team Sky +0:06
- Geraint Thomas (UK) Team Sky +0:06
- Daniel Martin (Ire) UAE Team Emirates +2:40