Eddie Dunbar remains sixth in the Criterium du Dauphine general classification after Jake Stewart took a surprise bunch-sprint victory in a chaotic dash for the line on the 183km fifth stage to Macon.
The Team Jayco Alula rider, who put in an outstanding performance in yesterday's time trial to finish eighth overall and beaten by just 20 seconds by Tadej Pogacar - began the day 30 seconds down on leader Remco Evenepoel and that gap remains the same with three stages remaining.
The Corkman was nestled safely among the packed bunch as Evenepoel was caught up in a late crash but was able to complete the stage.
Dunbar is in esteemed company in the standings, sandwiched between Tour de France royalty.
The 28-year-old is 14 seconds adrift of Jonas Vingegaard, with just eight seconds to spare over reigning Tour de France champion and three-time winner Pogacar.
Wicklow native Archie Ryan was also in the leading group today and is 39th overall, 2’ 25" down on Evenepoel, while EF Education-Easypost’s Ben Healy finished 3’ 18" down on the stage winner.
Tomorrow, the peloton moves into the high mountains for the first time, on a short, punchy 126-kilometre run from Valserhone to Combloux, with the final two stages at the weekend the most demanding of the race.
