Chris Froome extended his lead in the Criterium du Dauphine by claiming his second consecutive stage win today.

Froome, who had won the opening time trial stage yesterday, burst clear of rival Alberto Contador at the peak of the tough Col du Beal climb to extend his race lead to 12 seconds as he continues his peparations for the defence of his Tour de France title, the third stage of which will race through west Essex and East London on Monday, July 7.

Froome had sparked an initial surge with five kilometres of the stage remaining to which only Contador was able to respond.

Dutchman Wilco Kelderman pipped Belgium's Jurgen van den Broeck to take third place.