Valverde shows class to take Dauphine yellow jersey

DEFENDING champion Alejandro Valverde took command of the yellow jersey from Australia's Cadel Evans in the Dauphine Libere after a second place in the 154km fifth stage.

Poland's Sylvester Szmyd had the better of the Spaniard in the sprint finish but the pair crossed the line over a minute ahead of the chasing group to give Valverde a 16 second overall lead on his Australian rival.

Valverde and Szmyd established a two minute gap ahead of the chasing group, which included Evans, with ten kilometres left and when the Spaniard eased off towards the finish, Szmyd made his move to claim his first ever stage win in a major event.

Britain's David Millar, who came third in yesterday's time trial, finished 11th - 2:28 minutes behind the Pole  - and Lance Armstrong's Astana teammate Alberto Contador finished eighth.

Friday's sixth stage sees the riders travel the 106km from Gap to Briancon.