Italian Fabio Aru wins 3rd stage of Dauphine Libere

TOURNON-SUR-RHONE, France (AP) Fabio Aru won the third stage of the Criterium du Dauphine Libere on Wednesday after a well-timed late breakaway.

The 25-year-old Italian climber pulled clear 22 kilometers (13.5) miles from the end to clinch his first stage win at the race.

He raised both arms in the air after finishing the 187.5-kilometer (116-mile) route through the Rhone valley two seconds ahead of a chasing group, led by Norwegian sprinter Alexander Kristoff.

Two-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador maintained the overall lead, six seconds ahead of Australian Richie Porte and 13 seconds clear of defending Tour champion Chris Froome.

Despite his impressive win, Aru remains more than one minute behind Contador in 27th place.

The Dauphine is a traditional warmup for the Tour, which starts on July 2 at Mont-Saint-Michel.