Rabobank rider Robert Gesink showed strong climbing form in the final two stages of the Critérium du Dauphiné stage race, registering back-to-back podium finishes in Stages 6 and 7 in the Alps.

Gesink, the 25-year-old Dutch leader of the team, was using the Dauphiné as a key tune-up race for the upcoming Tour de France. Riding a new pre-production version of the next-generation Giant TCR Advanced SL bike, Gesink climbed to a second-place finish in Saturday’s grueling sixth stage, which featured five categorized climbs and a summit finish at Le Collet d’Allevard.

The following day Gesink put in another strong performance in the mountains on a short but challenging 117.5km final stage. Stage 7 featured two massive climbs: the Col de la Croix de Fer and a summit finish at La Toussuire.

Gesink stayed at the front of the action in the mountains Sunday and finished third, just 7 seconds off the pace of Spanish stage winner Joaquin Rodriguez. The Dutchman ended up 20th overall in the GC, and left with confident climbing form less than three weeks before the start of his main goal for the season, the Tour de France.

In addition to Gesink’s strong showing, Rabobank also took a stage win at the Dauphiné, when Lars Boom won the opening day prologue time trial on his Giant Trinity Advanced SL bike.