Greig Leach

The final sprint between Kris Boeckmans (Lotto-Belisol) and Nikias Arnot (Giant Shimano) was so close that I nor the commentators could figure out who had taken the stage. The only clue was Boeckmans pounding his handlebars after crossing the line. It wasn't until the photo finish was shown that it was apparent that Arnot had managed to just hold off the charging Belguim. I do mean just, the photo showed the margin of victory was the width (technically the height) of a racing tire. Giant Shimano also picked up third on the stage, and FDJ could only manage seventh for Arnaud Demare. Perhaps they had put too much energy into the chase to have the legs for the lead out at the end.