Starting His Defense
Chris Froome (Team Sky) by virtue of winning the Dauphine last year, was the last cyclist to roll down the start ramp to speed through the streets and tunnel of Lyon in search of a Yellow Jersey, the Malliot Jaune of race leader. Through the course, he appeared to be staying even with Alberto Contrador (Tinkoff Saxo) who has the current race lead and riding just ahead of Vincenzo Nibali (Astana), but it is the time at the finishing line that matters. Froome's time was three seconds better than Contrador giving him the first leader's jersey of the 66th Criterium du Dauphine.