Team Sky rider Mikel Landa has played down his former Astana teammate Fabio Aru's chances of challenging for the general classification in the Criterium du Dauphine.
Aru lost time in the opening prologue at stage two of the Criterium du Dauphine, but his impressive showing to win stage three showed that he is not giving up just yet.
It is no surprise that Aru attacked more vigorously on the final ascent of the third stage to win, as he had 23 days training at altitude before arriving in France for the stage race.
Aru's impressive fightback "not a threat"
However, Landa has stated that "he is not a threat to the GC" at this moment in time, underlining the quotes given by Aru himself at the start of the race, as he said he "isn't here to compete".
The Italian "is a rider who needs a few days to get better" according to the Sky man, undoubtedly, considering this is the first time the former Vuelta a Espana winner has ridden since abandoning the Amstel Gold race in April.
Aru currently sits 10 places below Landa in 27th, and it proves to be a tough fight back to the top, with an array of world class cyclists all challenging for the yellow jersey.
Landa aims to secure Tour de France place
The Spaniard riding for Team Sky put in respectable time in the opening stage, and has attacked twice in the last two road stages, as he believes he is "getting better and better".
Landa's hard work is all for a reason as well; with the Tour de France following less than a month from the Dauphine's finish, the Sky climber is aiming to cement his place in his team's final selection for the renowned Grand Tour.
Tomorrow, both Landa and Aru can strengthen their chances to get a higher general classification finish on stage five from La Ravoir to Vaujany as they enter the mountains.