Johan Le Bon was the best rder for the FDJ team in the third stage of the Tour of Qatar which was a time trial in Lusail. While winner Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quick Step) took a big step towards another win, the Frecnh team remained focused on a stage win.

" There was again a lot of wind," says sports director Martial Gayant. "More than in previous years. Moreover, the start of the fourth stage on Thursday will be given fifteen minutes earlier than planned because we will face a headwind like on the first day.

"In the time trial, Johan tried but nevertheless he conceded 40 seconds to Terpstra. He didn't have a general classification to defend. The others did what they could. Yoann Offredo failed to do a great performance, David Boucher is suffering a lot from the climate change, coming from Belgium and -5 ° to 30 ° here. Arnaud Démare is focused on the stage win which is our goal.

"Overall, the atmosphere is good, but the group is very united. These riders have been together for 3 or 4 years."