"I got through without a crash today, but the wind wasn't enough to break up a big group and the breakaway went in the final lap."

Those were the words of Astana's Ruslan Tleubayev after GP Fourmies in northern France. Tleubayev finished in the group with race winner Fabio Felline of Italy, alongside teammates in a mass sprint that came together at the end of the multi-lap finishing circuit.

Strong winds calmed down overnight and some sunshine showed, but the day was visited by slight rain showers mid-race.