Frenchman Cyril Gautier (EUC), who launched the day's break, believed in his chances until the very finale when he was overtaken by Greg Van Avermaet.

“I got a little stuck in the finale. You needed to be strong. I jumped a few turns on the hill. It's a sign because I'm not a lazy rider. I looked back a bit but I didn't see the pack. I told myself, great, I'm going to play with them. They were more nervous than I was. I told myself that as soon as they sat down I would go. But I saw Van Avermaet shoot past and it was over. The Tour is not finished. I don't have good legs like a year ago, but there are other nice ones to look for. I hope it will come.”