Rune Herregodts (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty) came ever so close to claiming a surprise victory on stage 1 of the Critérium du Dauphiné where he was caught in the final 10 meters by the hard-charging peloton.
The Belgian was the last remaining rider of the five-rider breakaway that formed early after a fast start of the 158km stage around Chambon-sur-Lac. After his break companions sat up, Herregodts crested solo the Côte du Rocher de l’Aigle, the 1km climb at 6.1% on the third and final finishing loop.
