Nacer Bouhanni celebrated his stage win by paying tribute to Mohammad Ali ©Getty Images

France’s Nacer Bouhanni claimed victory on the first stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné today after a battle between the Cofidis and Katusha sprint trains in the closing kilometres of the race.

The sprinters were able to survive three category four climbs during the early stages of the 186 kilometres route from Cluses to Saint-Vulbas, with their teams efforts then focusing on chasing down a two-man break.

Belgium’s Frederik Backaert and Australia's Mitchell Docker had opted to make the main move of the day and saw their lead peak at over five minutes after the climbs.

Their advantage rapidly tumbled, however, with the gap to the peloton standing at just over one minute with 25km to race, with Backaert responding by accelerating away from his breakaway companion.

His effort would prove in vain after he was reeled in with 13 kilometres left of racing, leaving the sprinters' teams to fight for supremacy.

Bouhanni’s Cofidis team clashed on numerous occasions with Katusha, who eventually took control of the front to the race as they looked to lead out their Norwegian sprinter Alexander Kristoff.

However, Kristoff was unable to take advantage and eventually finished in 11th place as Bouhanni battled through to clinch the stage in a time of 4hr, 27min and 53sec, with the Frenchman punching his fists in celebration on the line.

A battle to lead out the sprint saw the Katusha and Cofidis teams clash in the closing kilometres
A battle to lead out the sprint saw the Katusha and Cofidis teams clash in the closing kilometres ©Getty Images

“It was Cofidis' objective to get a stage win at the Dauphiné,” Bouhanni said afterwards.

“Showing my fist on the finishing line was a tribute to Mohammad Ali, I had told my team-mate Cyril Lemoine that I'd do so if I managed to win a stage, he meant a lot to me.

“I'm particularly motivated by World Tour races like the Dauphiné and the Tour de France.

“This is my eighth win this year, my fourth in the World Tour and I'll do my best again tomorrow to get another stage win.”

After finishing safely in the peloton, Spain’s Alberto Contador retained the overall race lead after his victory in yesterday’s uphill prologue.

Contador holds a six second advantage over Australia’s Richie Porte, while defending champion Chris Froome of Britain lies a further seven seconds down on the leader.

Stage two of the race, which is part of the International Cycling Union World Tour, will see the riders contest a 167km hilly route from Crêches-sur-Saône to Chalmazel-Jeansagnière.