For the second stage in a row, Omega Pharma-Quickstep's Gianni Meersman missed out in a sprint. Yesterday he finished 4th and today he had to settle for 3rd. His team put in a huge effort in setting up a bunch sprint but Meersman was simply beaten by faster riders. 

“It was another hard finish today. Once again the team put me in the best position for the sprint. We took our responsibility to catch the breakaway. In the last five kilometres Martin, Pieter Serry and Zdenek Stybar piloted me, then at 600 meters to go I was on the wheel of Matthews. The timing for the sprint was perfect, but he was just stronger than me today. Yesterday I finished 4th, today I was 3rd. I really would like to get a stage here for me and the team. We will see day by day and try to do our best.”

Meersman may have to keep his powder dryfor a couple of days as the next two stages will be significantly easier than the previous two. Hence, it is no certainty that he will be given the chance to go for the stage win as his young teammate Andrew Fenn may be the fastest man in the easier finales.