Fabio Aru broke clear late-on to claim a stage victory at the Dauphine today ©Getty Images

Italy's Fabio Aru dug deep to break clear and then hold on to claim the third stage of the Criterium du Dauphine in Tournon-sur-Rhone today as Spain's Alberto Contador retained his grip of the leader's yellow jersey.

Aru, the 25-year-old Astana rider, built a lead of just 10 seconds coming off the final hill of the undulating 182 kilometres stage from Boen-sur-Lignonand after first chasing down a breakaway attempt by Germany's Tony Martin.

He then bravely withstood a rampaging peloton for the final 13 kilometres, crossing the line just two seconds clear.

"It's a new experience for me to win in this way," he admitted afterwards.

"I wanted to try something but I didn't think I'd win."

Alberto Contador remains in the leaders yellow jersey position ©Getty Images
Alberto Contador remains in the leaders yellow jersey position ©Getty Images

Aru, one of the rising stars of the sport, won the Vuelta a Espana last year after earlier finishing runner-up behind Contador at the Giro d'Italia. 

He is more than a minute off the leaders pace at the Dauphine after losing time in the first two stages, but will be building-up confidence ahead of his anticipated Tour de France debut.

Norway's Alexander Kristoff won the sprint for second ahead of another Italian in Niccolo Bonifazio.

Tinkoff-Saxo rider Contador overcame a heart-in-the-mouth moment after he suffered a mechanical today with 4km to go.

But, after team-mate Roman Kreuziger spared his bike, he caught-up with the peloton to retain his six second lead over Australian Ritchie Porte.

Tour de France reigning champion Chris Froome of Britain and Team Sky lies third, 13 seconds behind.

Tomorrow will bring a 176km flat and rolling stage through the southern Drome region.