The numbers do not lie. Within 18 days of racing since the beginning of the year, Alexis Gougeard has in the top ten six times, including three top five results. In the Three Days of West Flanders, he was at the forefront every day and finished the race in 5th.

"I had already participated in this event last year (90th) and I liked it," he said. "I wanted to do well but I did not expect to be in contention for the win. I'm happy that the feelings are good."

Gougeard finished fourth in yesterday's stage.

"I don't think I did well in that stage," he said. "I do not know if victory was possible but a podium would have been a great reward for the whole team. With Le Samyn, we spent a wonderful week together. 

"Now I have to get tje victory. I must use the current form. I will go home for two weeks. It will do me good. My return to competition will be made at the Classic Loire Atlantique (where he won last year, ed.) and the GP Cholet (March 21-22 ). Then it will be time to think about the big classics with the Tour of Flanders and Paris - Roubaix."