Being a former fifth place finisher in Paris-Roubaix, Damien Gaudin (Ag2r) found himself in his preferred terrain in stage one of the 4 Days of Dunkirk which included seven pave sectors. The Frenchman finished the stage in fourth.

"We did not know what would happen with wind gusts of 70 km per hour," he said. "I accelerated on the pave 45 kilometers from the finish and we found ourselves in a three-rider front group. With two kilometres to go, I upped the pace but I did feel that I was strong enough to make the group explode. Coquard was with us and I knew it would be difficult to win.

"I am a little disappointed not to finish on the podium but I'm still happy for my return to racing. I got married and I took a one-week break to be with my family. I love this 4 Days of Dunkirk. The team did well to select me for this race. No day is easy and it is not going to be boring in the next stages."