Sonny Colbrelli missed out on his second win at this year’s Critérium du Dauphiné, crossing the line centimetres behind stage winner Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers).

It was hot conditions from the start in Saint-Chamond as the riders set off to take on the 175.4-kilometre route through to Saint- Vallier over five classified climbs and 2,800 vertical metres.

Unlike the opening two stages, breakaway attempts were managed by the peloton onto the final climb, Cote du Montrebut. The category two climb of 1.3 kilometres at 12% broke up the peloton, with Colbrelli again showing he is more than just a sprinter, getting over the climbs. As the only sprinter left in the group, he was marked by the others.

In the final kilometre, Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) launched an attack breaking away from the reduced peloton. After tremendous work all day, Jack Haig chased down the move and set Sonny up for the sprint. However, Thomas was able to hold on and narrowly beat Colbrelli to the line.

Colbrelli commented on the finish: ” I was so close to the chance for another win. Thanks to my team, who put in super work today and also in the final. But, last 800 meters Thomas attacked, and Jack was pulling and I followed, but it’s normal to be on the limit after the hard work. I started the sprint with 300 meters left, but I just finished second.”

(All pictures can be used for editorial and non-commercial usages only and are copyright @Bettiniphoto @TeamBahrainVictorious)