Ulissi got a third place in stage 1. Ben Swift ranked ninth.

Diego Ulissi ranked third in the first stage of the “Criterium du Dauphiné” with an attack in the last climb of the day, showing a great condition despite he spent a long training camp in altitude with the team.

“My performance was a great surprise for me too because we did and intensive altitude training camp period” said a satisfied Diego Ulissi “it means we worked really well without losing rhythm. It’s a pity for the victory but we’ll have others opportunities. The most important thing is to feel good”.

The Belgian Thomas de Gendt won alone after dropping all the seven-rider breakaway who was part, last of them during the final climb outside Saint-Etienne. Second place for the French Alex Domont (AG2R). Third Ulissi who outsprinted the two attack’s companions. Ninth place for Ben Swift.

Tomorrow the peloton will ride the stage 2 from Saint-Chamond to Arlanc of 171 km with 4 climbs: 1 of second, 2 of third and 1, the last one, of fourth category with 70 km to go.

Results:

1 Thomas De Gendt (Bel) Lotto Soudal 4:17:04

2 Axel Domont (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale +44’’

3 Diego Ulissi (Ita) Team UAE Emirates +57’’

9 Ben Swift (GBr) Team UAE Emirates +59’’

General Classification:

1 Thomas De Gendt (Bel) Lotto Soudal 4:16:54

2 Axel Domont (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale +48’’

3 Diego Ulissi (Ita) Team UAE Emirates +1.03’’

9 Ben Swift (GBr) Team UAE Emirates +1.09’’