Cycling: Chris Froome wins Criterium du Dauphine

British rider Chris Froome has won the Criterium du Dauphine stage race, the main preparation race for the Tour de France. Sir Bradley Wiggins, winner of the Tour de France last year, won the Dauphine in 2011 and 2012. Team Sky's Froome finished second on the final stage in the Alps, behind stage winner Alessandro De Marchi from Italy. The overall standings saw Froome beating team-mate Richie Porte by 58 seconds. "It's a positive test for the Tour de France," Froome said. "I'll do everything to win it as well. We've good reason to be confident with such a great team." The Dauphine is seen by the specialists as the best indicator of a rider's form ahead of the Tour, which starts on 29 June. However, Froome plays down his role as a favourite, saying he is just one of several contenders for the yellow jersey. "I have won the Dauphine, and other races before, but the counter is back to zero when the Tour starts," he said. "There will be six to seven main contenders for overall victory. The names? Contador, Valverde, Rodriguez, Evans, Van Garderen and Quintana are all capable of strong rides." Last month Team Sky confirmed Froome would lead their challenge at the Tour de France ahead of team-mate Wiggins, who was then ruled out of defending his title due to illness and injury which have left him insufficient time to train. Froome had a great season so far, winning the Dauphine after claiming the Tour of Oman, Criterium International and Tour de Romandie. "It's been a dream scenario," Froome added. "To come away with the victory plus one of my best friends and team-mate Porte in second place overall, I couldn't ask for more. Tonight I'll be able to have a drink with my team-mates to celebrate this great win. In the coming days, we'll go and recognise some mountain stages of the Tour." Froome leads the list of favourites for the Tour de France win, here are the top five contenders and their odds at Bet365: Chris Froome - 5/8 Alberto Contador - 9/4 Joaquim Rodriguez - 16/1 Richie Porte - 22/1 Nairo Quintana - 22/1