Greig Leach

Before the race came on TV the major move had already happened Racing in the flat open roads outside of Paris the crosswinds had played a decisive part in what was billed as a day for the sprinters The early break was caught by a group that contained some sprinters and some overall hopefuls but not all of either Most notably missing the move where Alberto Contador (Trek Segafredo) Richie Porte (BMC) and Romain Bardet (Ag2r La Mondiale) More importantly it was Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep) along with most of his team that drove the pace on the head of the race Lotto Soudal - sporting some new colors from earlier in the season - were well represented as well with Tosh Van Der Sande doing the work for the rest of the team