Beginning in Les Gets, the uphill four kilometre time trial gave the general classification contenders the opportunity to claim an early advantage over their rivals at the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tour race.

Defending champion Chris Froome was one earliest of the favourites to start and the British rider clocked 11min 49sec to move into the lead.

He remained at the top of the standings after fellow contenders Romain Bardet and Thibaut Pinot of France completed their efforts, but his former team-mate Richie Porte eventually proved able to dislodge the Team Sky rider.

The Australian finished in a time of 11:42, but it would only prove good enough for second on the stage after Contador crossed shortly afterwards in a time of 11:36.

“The climb suited me really well, I knew I could time trial well on this course but I didn't know if I was able to win it,” said Contador afterwards.

“I didn't expect to win but I can't say it's a surprise to beat Chris Froome.

“It's just been a perfect day and I'll take the race day by day from now on, the time gaps are very small and Team Sky came to the Dauphiné for winning.

“They even have four or five different riders able to win the overall classification.”

Contador will begin the opening stage with a six second lead over Porte, while Froome lies a further seven seconds down on the leader after finishing third.

Tomorrow will see the peloton tackle a 186 kilometre route from Cluses to Saint-Vulbas.