Greig Leach

Given that Thomas Voeckler (Direct Energie) had joined the solo escapee, Armindo Fonseca (Fortuneo Vital Concept), it was time at 20 kilometers for the sprinters teams to chase down the break. Those with aspirations of winning in Angers had to get themselves organized and the two up the road back into the fold. Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) let is team in the chase. Joining the effort were Etixx Quickstep, along with Peter Sagan and his Tinkoff teammates. Along with the sprinters, the teams of the general classification hopefuls were trying to stay on the front to keep their men safe. That is why you see Team Sky just to the right side of the road as the peloton speeds under the 20 kilometer to go banner.