France, June 16 -- Tadej Pogacar underlined his credentials as a favourite for the 2025 Tour de France with victory for the first time in the eight-day Criterium du Dauphine in south-eastern France.

Lenny Martinez from France won the final stage on Sunday betweenVal-d'Arc to Plateau du Mont-Cenis.

The 21-year-old Team Bahrain Victorious cyclist finished the 133.3km stage in three hours, 34 minutes and 18 seconds.

Jonas Vingegaard from Team Visma-Lease a Bike was second - 34 seconds later - and Pogacar finished third to take the overall prize.

The 26-year-old UAE Team Emirates XRGwon three of the stages and completed the 1199.6km course in 29 hours, 19 minutes and 46 seconds. Vingegaard was 59 seconds behind.Florian Lipowitz was third....