After Arthur Vichot fractured a collarbone in the GP Quebec, FDJ had to change strategy for the GP Montreal. The team decided to support Yoann Offredo but the race became a bit too hard for the classics specialist.

FDJ went into the Canadian WorldTour races with Arthur Vichot as the clear captain. The former French champion finished 2nd in Quebec 12 months ago and was one of the favourites for this year's races too.

However, the former French champion crashed in the sprint in Quebec and so the team had to change strategy for yesterday's race in Montreal.

"It is true that we were sad," says sports director Martial Gayant. "But we created a nice plan for the second race, again won by Simon Gerrans. Since he is in good shape, we played the Yoann Offfredo card."

The team was present in the early break with Arnold Jeannesson.

"Arnold will end his road season after the race," Gayant said. "He wanted to have some fun. It's a little while since he has been in top form but he could stay with his companions until 22km from the finish.

"At that point, Yohan had not left the top poisitions in the peloton but he probably used his energy too early. When the race exploded in the end, he was slightly dropped and apparently he suffered a mechanical problem on the final climb."

Instead, veteran Pierrick Fedrigo was the best rider for FDJ in 19th in one of his final races with the team.