Max Poole sprints to 5th in fastest Dauphiné stage ever

Continuing his strong performances this year, Max Poole showed his power and endurance on Thursday as he powered to a great 5th place in stage 5 of Critérium du Dauphiné after Jonas Vingegaard took a solo win.

After a tough individual TT on Wednesday, the peloton today faced some challenging hills leading them to Salins-les-Bains. The day started off with the battle for a spot in the breakaway as several riders attacked. Then after approximately five kilometres a strong group went clear, including Leon Heinschke for Team DSM. The German almost managed to stay away for the whole day but was eventually caught on the final climb with only 17 kilometres to go. On the Côte de Thésy, Vingegaard attacked and quickly took a small gap on the peloton. Max Poole managed to keep up in a small chasing group behind him, but the Danish rider would eventually stay away. Pushing it all the way to the line, Poole sprinted to a big fifth place in Salins-les-Bains. With an average speed of more than 47 kilometres per hour it would be the fastest stage of Critérium du Dauphiné ever.

After the race, Poole stated: “It was a long hot stage today with the action packed towards the back end. Leon did a great ride up in the strong break, which unfortunately got brought back when the GC action kicked off. It was a super tough climb in the end and I just tried to follow as best as I could. I then focused on trying to do a good sprint, which in the end got me a solid 5th position after yesterday’s disappointing TT.” 

Team DSM coach Phil West added: “The goal for today was to go for the stage. It was an interesting day where the break could potentially make it, if it was the right combination. Leon did a great job by making it to that breakaway – which was a strong group. He played it really smart to come with an attack as late as possible on the final climb with one other guy, but on the bottom of that climb the peloton started riding after which he was caught. Max and Oscar were there after good work from the guys who kept them safe throughout the day. When the pace went up again, Max was able to chase Vingegaard in the group behind and he did a good job in the final. In summary, today was a good effort with nice teamwork and we’re looking forward to another hilly day tomorrow.”