Known as a sprinter, Christophe Laporte (Cofidis) proved that he is more than that when he finished third in the hard one-day race GP de Wallonie.

"I would have preferred to win. But third place is still a good result," he told Directvelo. "Rudy Molard did a great job for me in the leading group throughout the climb to the Citadel. When Debusschere went, I thought Pinot would try to bring him back because they were two FDJ riders in the group. If I had gone myself, I would have made a big effort that would not have allowed me to possibly aim for victory afterwards. I was in the wheel of Bakelants when the sprint started, but I may have started a little early and I was surprised by the final turn. I like this type of race and when I'm in condition, I know I can get a good result."