The stage led the peloton from Chinon to Châteauroux. As soon as the flag dropped, teammates Mathieu van der Poel and Jonas Rickaert attacked. From the outset their duo attempt looked an almost impossible mission. Meanwhile, tension was rising in the peloton because of the threat of echelons.  

On several long roads, the crosswind offered opportunities to form echelons. Team Visma | Lease a Bike took the initiative, yet no significant gaps were opened. The bunch then rode towards Châteauroux at high speed. The final escapee, Van der Poel, was caught inside the last kilometre, and in the ensuing sprint Merlier proved the quickest. All Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders reached the finish safely. Tomorrow brings the race’s first proper mountain stage.  

“We tried to create echelons with a few other teams, but unfortunately it didn’t work,” Vingegaard reflected. “The wind was certainly there, but at the decisive moments it wasn’t blowing in quite the right direction. Now we turn our focus to tomorrow. I definitely expect a battle among the GC riders. A tough stage with plenty of climbing awaits, but we’re ready.”  

“It was a hectic day for everyone,” added Head of Racing Grischa Niermann. “The pace was extremely high. We made several attempts, yet the wind simply wasn’t strong enough. Wout stayed out of the sprint and instead did sterling work for Jonas, who is already looking forward to tomorrow’s stage.”