Ag2r had another disappointing day in the Etoile de Besseges and now hope to buck the trend in the final time trial where they are confident that Hugo Houle can produce another surprise like he did when he finished third in stage 5 of the Tour de San Luis.

"The guys tried to make it into the break but had no luck," sports director Stephane Goubert said. "As it has been the case for several days, Lotto Soudal did the forcing to catch the escapees. We had no luck in the finale with a crash for Alexis Vuillermoz got up with back pain.

"For the final time trial, the guys have nothing to lose. Following his performance at the Tour de San Luis, Hugo (Houle) can hope for beautiful things. Regarding Alexis Gougeard, he will give everything to maintain a beautiful place in the GC. Pierre-Roger Latour will ride his first TT in the pro ranks. It will be an experience but he has showed he is in shape. "