Dauphine: Navarro Runs Away, Field Stays Together

Stage 5 at Dauphine went nothing like some expected, except for Daniel Navarro. While Navarro ran away with the race, the field behind him was content to stick together after a few early attacks were failed. A breakaway got free just as the field began the high climb to Chamrousse, and since none of the riders were in contention, Radioshack (controlled the peloton for most of the day) let them go. Daniel Navarro then took matters into his own hands and went over the top by himself, caught the breakaway, and continued on to run away from everybody else all alone. Navarro showed some incredibly strong riding, finishing without any help up front while his Astana teammates kept watch from the back. Eros Capecchi and Thibault Pinot attempted to organize a chase and got within 35 seconds of Navarro, but were unable to catch the determined Spaniard who had this stage victory planned from the start. It was Navarro's first professional win, and he stole the show while the top riders saved up for the huge climbs in the Alps tomorrow. Tomorrow there are two huge climbs, ending on a final ascent up Alpe D'Huez.

It was a great day for Brajkovic, who kept his 75 second lead intact, but he will have lots of work to do tomorrow. He will most certainly tomorrow have to do what I and others thought he would have to do today. Attacks will be numerous and fierce, as many of the top climbers like Contador (if he so chooses) and Menchov will attempt to get free in the Alps. Pacing themselves will also be crucial, though, because if a rider uses himself all up on the first steep climb he will certainly never make it over Alpe D'Huez. Things are coming right down to the wire and it may be "make it or break it" time for the riders still in contention.

CLASSIFICATIONS AFTER STAGE 5

OVERALL

1. Janez Brajkovic

2. Tejay Van Garderen -1:15

3. Alberto Contador -1:41

4. David Millar -1:56

5. Nicolas Vogondy -2:43

6. Denis Menchov -2:55

7. Christophe Riblon -3:05

8. Jurgen Van Den Broeck -3:06

9. Christian Knees 3:10

19. Daniel Navarro -4:23

21. Geraint Thomas -4:38

23. Chris Horner -4:44

MOUNTAINS

1. Eros Capecchi 31

2. Thibault Pinot 26

3. Bram Tankink 23

POINTS
1. Geraint Thomas 67

2. Janez Brajkovic 65

3. Grega Bole 63

TEAM STANDINGS

1. Astana

2. Garmin-Transitions -2:06

3. Team Katusha -2:10