Multiple champion Sylvain Chavanel (IAM) was surprisingly defeated by his teammate Jerome Coppel (IAM) and had to settle for third at the French TT championships.

"I started well and I suffered in the finale," he told Directvelo. "I lost by 7 seconds and that's enough for third. I was calm at first and I'm happy for Jerome because he has struggled in recent years. I'm really happy for him. Personally, I am disappointed to miss the title by 7 seconds. I know how to quickly move on and I will look forward. 

"The road race circuit is hard. We will be at a disadvantage against teams that have at least fifteen riders. If it is all about the legs, I can be in front. If it comes down to tactics, it is bad for me. It will be very hot and the body will suffer."