Chris Froome wins a third Criterium du Dauphine

Chris Froome won his third Criterium du Dauphine title as fellow Briton Steve Cummings sealed his first stage victory in the event on the final day. Ireland's Dan Martin claimed second on the stage – three minutes 58 seconds behind Cummings – and finished in third overall.

Dimension Data rider Cummings took the stage seven win following a 60km solo breakaway as Froome repeated his wins from 2013 and 2015 – the two years he also went on to win the Tour de France.

As Cummings dominated the 151km stage from Le Pont-de-Claix to Superdevoluy, the battle for general classification unfolded behind him on the ascent of the Col du Noyer.

Tinkoff's Alberto Contador attacked twice and forced Froome to react, with Romain Bardet (AG2R-La Mondiale) and Richie Porte (BMC) paying close attention.

A group of 12 riders, including the first nine in the overall rankings, battled out the podium places. Martin claimed second ahead of Bardet on the stage.

But it was the Frenchman who took second overall in the race ahead of Martin as Porte was displaced from the podium places.

In the overall standings Froome finished in a time of 29 hours 59 minutes and 31 seconds to give him the win by 12 seconds from Bardet with Martin a further seven seconds back, just two seconds in front of Porte in the final rankings.