Thibaut Pinot has succeeded in taking fourth place in the final standings of the Race of Two Seas after a time trial that he finished strongly in the top 20, only losing 2 seconds to Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) .

"It's really good," FDJ Sports director Yvon Madiot said. "We were less stressed but we still did well. This demonstrates that Thibaut can now time trial wwith the best. To finish two seconds behind Contador is something. This morning he was a little nervous but still much less than in the past. A few months ago hewould have said "damn, I will lose 10 places." Today he stayed focused. His time trial consistent. He had the split times of Contador. He was 1 second behind the Spaniard after 1.5 km, they wwere almost tied at the mid-point and he finished two seconds behind. Thibaut is super happy."

Fourth of Tirreno-Adriatico, he will leave Italy this evening and return to the Haute-Saône. "He will be at his home on Wednesday at 11:00."

Confirming their excellent performance throughout the race, four teammates finished the time trial in the top 36. Benoît Vaugrenard finished 9 seconds behind Pinot, Steve Morabito and Jérémy Roy 12 seconds and Mathieu Ladagnous 15 seconds.

"They are great teammates," Madiot said. "Benoit was not originally planned for this race but he is glad that [sports directot] Martial Gayant called him and that he was able to participate. He told us that he is very happy with the atmosphere at home and to work for such a leader. Thibaut was also delighted to have him here because Ben has regained his strength and when he was in front of his leader, Thibaut had nothing to fear."

Back at his competitive level, Vaugrenard will be able to prepare the Ardennes classics calmly via the Circuit de la Sarthe. Pinot will prepare for the Tour of the Basque Country in the Critérium International.