Bradley Wiggins and his Team Sky riders delivered an assured performance on the first mountain stage of the 2012 Critérium Du Dauphiné.

Arthur Vichot (FDJ) escaped to win at the end of the 186.5km stage, but the British team never looked in less than total control, even during an effort by 2011 Tour de France winner, Cadel Evans, and his BMC henchmen.

Underlining the authority with which he has led Team Sky to victory this season at Paris-Nice and the Tour de Romandie, Wiggins delivered another controlled peformance that saw him cross the line with main rivals, Evans, and Tony Martin (Omega-Pharma QuickStep) in sight.

Here’s a look at how the stage unfolded through the lens of official WorldTour photographer, Stefano Sirroti.

The biggest names in the 2012 Critérium Du Dauphiné keep a close eye on each other, among them Cadel Evans, Tony Martin, Bradley Wiggins, and Thomas Voeckler

FDJ-Big Mat’s Arthur Vichot escaped in the closing seven kilometres to win in Rumilly

Bradley Wiggins crossed the line within a comfortable distance of his rivals to remain in the yellow jersey

To the victor, the spoils: Vichot celebrates the biggest win of his short career

Wiggins has so collected so many victory bouquets this season he could probably open a florists