Immediately after the start in Besançon, the so-called White Jersey group of the Dutch cycling formation made it an attractive race. Loe van Belle escaped from the peloton with three other riders. Where his fellow escapees were caught on the flanks of the Montfaucon Côte de la Malate, the Dutchman held on a lot longer. At about fifteen kilometers from the finish, Van Belle was caught and the favorites prepared for the finish on top of the steep climb of the Montfaucon.

Cian Uijtdebroeks and Jørgen Nordhagen were well positioned up front all day, but lost ground on the start of the final climb and were unable to play a role in the battle for victory in the French one-day race. “Jørgen felt incredibly strong today, but at the most unfortunate moment on the final climb, he suffered a puncture. That’s of course very unfortunate”, sports director Marc Reef states afterwards.

“Because of Loe's strong day, we were constantly riding at ease as a team in the peloton behind. We executed the established plan perfectly and started the final climb in perfect position, but unfortunately couldn’t join the battle for the victory. All in all, a good start as a team here in France, only a result is missing. Tomorrow we will get a new chance”, Reef refers to the Tour du Jura, where almost the same group of riders will be at the start.