Dauphine: Brajkovic Takes Stage and GC

Radioshack's Janez Brajkovic took advantage of leader Contador's "laying back" and took control of the race himself with a decisive victory in Wednesday's time trial. Brajkovic stormed his way through all the checkpoints and easily won the stage by 26 seconds over David Millar. Millar, a master time trial rider, had the lead comfortably until Brajkovic dethroned him. Millar still had a good enough ride to move into second overall, 36 seconds behind Brajkovic. Norwegian time trial rider Edvald Boasson Hagen took third in the stage, finishing 43 seconds behind Brajkovic. Young Tejay Van Garderen put together a great ride to keep himself well in contention with a 4th place stage finish, and desperate top contender Denis Menchov clocked in 55 seconds behind Brajkovic to round out the top 5 and move himself into the top 10 overall. Contador finished 6th, 1:46 behind the lead. Brajkovic was obviously a top contender to take the lead in the time trial, as was Millar, but it was also a great ride by Tejay Van Garderen to stay well within the hunt for the title. Van Garderen is known as a decent TT rider, but was certainly not expected to be in the position he currently is in. Tomorrow things get back to normal, ending on a large climb. This could allow for someone to go right over the top and completely break the race open at the end of the stage

Or perhaps the field will stay together for yet another exciting bunch sprint. There is also an interesting battle forming for the points jersey, currently lead by Geraint Thomas but Grega Bole and Brajkovic are within reach. These last 4 stages coming up are what really defines the Criterium du Dauphine, a race known to be for the climbers. Tomorrow's is just a taste of what is to come, but it should be a good indicator as to whether the current leaders are up to the task ahead.

CLASSIFICATIONS AFTER STAGE 3

OVERALL

1. Janez Brajkovic

2. David Millar -36

3. Tejay Van Garderen -50

4. Alberto Contador -1:41

5. Geraint Thomas -2:02

6. Christian Knees -2:20

8. Denis Menchov -2:47

23. Chris Horner -3:54

34. Samuel Sanchez -4:44

MOUNTAINS

1. Bram Tankink 23

2. Guillaume Bonnaford 22

3. Cyril Gautier 20

POINTS

1. Geraint Thomas 64

2. Grega Bole 52

3. Janez Brajkovic 45

TEAM STANDINGS
1. HTC-Columbia

2. Garmin-Transitions -1:19

3. Sky Pro Cycling Team -2:16