Arnaud Demare earned himself his first French road race championship title when he beat his teammate Nacer Bouhanni in a bunch sprint. With both sprinters being allowed to do their own sprint, the two FDJ riders both had set their sights on the victory and Demare admitted that his victory was some kind of revenge for 2012 when it had been the opposite outcome.

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.

"I am really happy," Demare said. "To be French champion lasts the entire season, not just a single day. You shouldn't underestimate the course.  It was quite hard with repeated turns. You always had to be in a good position. There were two nice ascents.

"We were under pressure. Everyone believes he can win. We know that [manager] Marc Madiot is our leader. Everyone has heard the same message, that the jersey should remain within the FDJ team. We made it.

"The guys did a great job during the entire race. I was with Mickael Delage in the finale. He was there when he had a little crosswind. I was always protected. I am grateful to him. He spent his day in support of me. But I do not forget the other 23 riders in the team. 

"It is also a little revenge for 2012, when I was so close to the title. Back then, it was a victory for the team, but I was a little disappointed. I had only been a professional for six months. I was disappointed at the time but in hindsight, there was the satisfaction of the podium in my first French championships. Many riders would proud of being second in the French championships six months after turning pro. I have grow up and have learnt a lot.
 
"After 250 kilometers, a sprint is different. It was false flat as I like. There was a headwind and we had to go as late as possible. Mickael Delage upped the pace regularly. Anthony Roux took us from the flamme rouge until 400 meters to go. He put his ambitions aside, like the other team riders. 

"We never doubted ourselves, we were very united. We were the men to beat. We knew we were going to be attacked, that's what happened. Our road captains Anthony Geslin and Benoit Vaugrenard helped us stay togeter. "I was never afraid even if there was very strong break. We had the same goal: to win the title. And we did it! This is a great day. Hats off to all!
 
"A lot has been said [about my relationship woth Bouhanni]. Both Naver and I race to win. We are both sprinters, we have the same qualities. We both want to win when it's a finish like it was today. When he won three stages of the Giro, it boosted me. I told myself that I was capable of doing the same.This is a positive stimulation. 

"From next Saturday, I will do my first Tour de France. I always expected it to be huge in the Tour but with this jersey it will be another dimension. It will be great. 

"This is different from the my U23 Worlds title. The tricolour jersey is unique for our country. I wore the rainbow jersey for three weeks before turning pro but I will have this one for a year. I am very satisfied."