Fourth in Sunday's Tour de Vendee, Arnaud Démare delivered the same result today in Paris-Bourges. Very well protected and led out by his teammates, the leader of the FDJ team suffered a derailleur problem in the finale. 

"Nothing to say about the attitude of the FDJ team today," said sports director Yvon Madiot. "But this derailleur story made it impossible to use the 11 and it leaves regret!"

From the start, the Clover riders had a clear strategy: they had assumed their responsibility in the Tour de Vendée but failed to win. This time they didn't want a copy. The work would be done by others and Johan Le Bon, for example, was designated to be vigilant on the final climbs and accompany the attackers.

"The guys made ​​a good job," continued Madiot. "Lorrenzo Manzin took care of Arnaud took all day. Johan did the job, he attacked several times, notably with Gougeard (ag2r-La Mondiale). Later, in the sprint Arnaud was led out by Marc Sarreau, Mickael Delage and Kevin Reza. Great lead-out. A 350 meters from the line in the last corner, he came off Sam Bennett (Bora Argon 18) who won but he has this problem with the derailleur. As he says, he does not know if he would have won because Bennett did a great sprint but he had the legs to finish second."

Tonight Yvon Madiot travelled to Chartres and the start of Paris-Tours, the last big event of the season.

"Arnaud has felt better today than in Vendée," said the sports director of the FDJ team. "He feels a little better. Paris-Tours is different, it is first decided on the two small climbs in the final before a long sprint. For us, the strategy will be different and we have time to talk and make a plan."