Cycling: Dennis in yellow, Martin wins fourth Dauphine stage

Australian Rohan Dennis snatched the race leader’s yellow jersey of the Criterium du Dauphine after Wednesday’s fourth stage, which was won by German Tony Martin.

Garmin rider Dennis, a silver medallist in the team pursuit at the London Olympics, was second in the 32.5km time-trial, 47sec behind Omega-Pharma’s Martin, the reigning world champion in the discipline.

But there was woe for Spaniard Alberto Contador, who could only finish 61st, and who now sits 2min 45sec behind Sky’s British rider Chris Froome.

Spain’s Joaquim Rodriguez, another favourite for a podium spot in the Tour de France‘s warm-up race, is 2min 56sec off Froome.

In the overall standings, Dennis stands 5sec ahead of Froome.

Thursday’s fifth stage is a tough 139km ride from Gresy-sur-Aix to the ski resort of Valmorel.

jm/lp/as