Jerome Cousin (Europcar) was agonizingly close to a big surprise in the first stage of the Tour de l'Ain but his break was caught 500m from the line. Hence, he had to settle for the combativity award as a consolation prize.

"I often try my luck in front in the first stage," he told Directvelo. "This is something that I like. Because of a misunderstanding we may get a minute or two. And then it is not easy to catch the escapees with six riders per team. 

"I was in a good group of six but we lacked cohesion and freshness at the end. With Björn Thurau we did a lot of work but it's complicated to stay away when some riders do not work and aim for second or third. Only victory counts in cycling! 

"Today I think I had the legs to win. Unfortunately it wasn't to be and we were  back just before the last corner. I have not even done the sprint to the finish, it was useless. I'll probably save myself in the remaining stages. It is useless to burn myself out before the Vuelta."