After the relatively easy opening stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné, today's stage required climbing. Along the way, the peloton was presented with four categorised hills. The finish line was at the top of Col de la Loge.

After the start signal in Gannat, a front group of five riders got a maximum lead of five minutes. Towards the two final climbs of the Côte de Saint-Georges-en-Couzan and Col de la Croix Ladret, their lead decreased systematically. In the reduced peloton, Team Visma | Lease a Bike leaders Jorgenson and Sepp Kuss rode alertly. They saw how last remaining escapee Bruno Armirail was caught a few metres from the finish line. In the sprint for the day's victory, Jorgenson eventually fell just short of beating Cort Nielsen. He had to settle for third place.

“I didn't have a super good feeling during the stage”, the American looked back. “The breakaway was strong, so there was a high pace in the bunch at times. In the finale, Steven Kruijswijk did a fantastic job to keep me and Sepp in front. Then it was fighting to get into a good position on the final climb. Just before the sprint I was in Cort Nielsen's wheel, but I couldn't follow his acceleration. In hindsight, I can definitely be satisfied with this third place.”

Another tough stage is scheduled on Tuesday. Jorgenson starts the 182-kilometre stage between Celles-sur-Durolle and Les Estables as third in GC and as wearer of the white jersey.