Strong start to Dauphine for Grenadiers duo

The Grenadiers have enjoyed a strong start to the Dauphine, with solid teamwork ensuring Carlos Rodriguez and Laurens De Plus remain well positioned ahead of the crucial 34 kilometre-long time trial tomorrow.

Stage three, a 182 kilometre test from Celles-sur-Durolle to Les Estables, was a prime example of such teamwork. The early running was covered by Josh Tarling and Ben Turner, before Omar Fraile led the bunch through four kilometres to go.

Jonathan Castroviejo then put in a huge turn to keep the team to the fore of a rampaging peloton, before Michal Kwiatkowski positioned Rodriguez and De Plus into the final 500 metres. 

The pair would place 11th and 14th, on the same time as their GC rivals, and just three seconds behind stage winner Dereck Gee (IPT).