Like the previous two, the third stage of Tour de Picardie ended with a bunch sprint. Belgian Kris Boeckmans (Loto-Soudal) again emerged as the fastest and added the French race to his palmares. Perfectly led out by the whole FDJ team, Arnaud Démare took fifth place.

The Tour of Belgium is expected to confirm his return to the forefront.

"Arnaud's team did a great job," ensures sports director Franck Pineau, "and everybody has taken a step in this race. Shortly after the start, Olivier Le Gac and David Boucher were in a breakaway of 21 riders. Then a group of 4 riders came out of the peloton that had regrouped and my riders participated actively in the pursuit.

"In the end, they did a perfect lead-out to deliver their sprinter 200 meters from the finish line. Arnaud who finished fifth, needs to do more sprints to win onem especially because he has some doubt but I think it will come quickly.

"The guys end the Tour de Picardie with a smile. Olivier Le Gac, for example, works very well. David Boucher has done a great job for three days. Mickael Delage is satisfied with his physical level in his return to competition. I could list them all ... They are all on track, even Arnaud Démare. He lacks a bit of punch, but this third stage may be the the start."