Young time trial specialist Johan Le Bon (FDJ) thought that he had done what was needed to win the opening prologue of the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen when he beat all the pre-race favourites on the flat course in Middelkerke. However, he was beaten into 2nd by surprise winner Gert Joeear (Cofidis) and his team admitted to not having expected that outcome.

Johan Le Bon again showed that he is a great time trialist in the making when he finished 2nd in today's 7km flat prologue of the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen. He crossed the line in a time of 7.58 to put three seconds into Belgian champion and defending champion Kristof Vandewalle (Trek) and even more into all the other pre-race favourites.

Le Bon thought that his performance had been enough to take the win but Gert Joeaar had had an amazing ride to finish in a time that was 5 seconds faster than the Frenchman. His team admitted to being surprised by the fast Estonian.

"Frankly, I was sure we had won, and I admit that the success of the Estonian is a surprise," sports director Yvon Madiot said. "Johan is better than the real specialists like De Gendt (Omega Pharma-Quick Step), Vandewalle and Sergent (Trek). Those were the rivals we had expected. Still, it is another place of honour of which we have had many since the start of the season."

On a positive note, Matthieu Ladagnous made his return from injury sustained in the Tour of Qatar and he did an excellent ride to finish 17th.

"I did three hours on the home trainer every day," he said. "I am happy with my sensations."

Le Bon showed great condition in the recent Omloop Het Nieuwsblad where he was a key protagonist and he will try to make use of those skills when the next two days offer stages in the Flemish classics terrain.

"Five seconds are not insurmountable on Belgian roads where wind, cobblestones, and short climbs can play a decisive role," he said.