Arnaud Demare (FDJ) has earned himself his first ever French road race title by beating his teammate and big rival Nacer Bouhanni in the sprint at the end of today's 2014 edition of the French championships. With both sprinters allowed to do their own sprint, they went head to head in a battle for the champion's jersey and here Demare emerged as the strongest.

Two years ago Arnaud Demare and Nacer Bouhanni sprinted against each other for the French road race title despite both riding for the FDJ team. Back then, Bouhanni emerged as the fastest, with a very disappointed Demare having to settle for second.

Today the scenario was exactly the same when a dominant FDJ team brough the 2014 championships down to a bunch sprint. Going into the race, manager Marc Madiot had made it clear that both riders would be allowed to do their own sprint and when they hit the finishing straight, it was Demare getting the lead-out with Bouhanni on his wheel.

When Demare launched his sprint, Bouhanni tried to come around him but failed to make up ground on his big rival. Hence, Demare took his first title while Kevin Reza (Europcar) completed the podium.

The race was held on a mostly flat circuit in Futuroscope and was widely tipped to end in a bunch sprint. However, the many laps made for an overall distance of 251.7km, meaning that the race could be tougher than the profile suggested.

Early on a very big 21-rider break escaped and FDJ had both William Bonnet and Matthieu Ladagnous in the move. Not content with the situation though, they kept things firmly under control.

After Sylvain Chavanel, Bryan Nauleau, Julian Alaphilippe and Florian Vachon had tried to bridge the gap, the escapees started to attack each other. When the dust had settled, only Bonnet, Thomas Voeckler, Florian Senechal, Alexis Gougeard and Pierre-Luc Perichon remained.

While FDJ continued to chase, Voeckler attacked again and this time only Gougeard and Senechal could stay with him. The chasers rejoined them but Voeckler kicked again.

This time he was joined by Senechal and Maxime Bouet who had attacked from the peloton. Voeckler tried again and this time, he only got Sebastien Turgot for company, the Ag2r rider having attacked from the peloton.

As they started the final lap, the front group was still 20 seconds ahead but moments later it was back together. Julien Simon, Tony Gallopin and Arthur Vichot were the next to attack and when they were brought back Cyril Gautier gave it a try.

FDJ were constantly in control and didn't panic when Julien Antomarchi attacked in the finale. Unfortunately, the BigMat rider crashed with less than 2km to go and so all was set for a bunch sprint. FDJ made a perfect lead-out for their two sprinters and this time it was Demare who emerged as the strongest.

Demare will get the first chance to wear his jersey when he lines up for his debut Tour de France on Sunday.

Result:

1. Arnaud Demare

2. Nacer Bouhanni

3. Kevin Reza

4. Julien Simon

5. Maxime Daniel

6. Sebastien Hinault

7. Sylvain Chavanel

8. Adrien Petit

9. Stephane Poulhies

10. Tony Gallopin