Edward Theuns became a surprise race leader in the Etoile de Besseges when he made use of bonus seconds to take the leader's jersey off Kris Boeckmans shoulders after having finished third in the bunch sprint.

"It was a difficult stage," he told Directvelo. "It started with a difficult five kilometers climb. But I made it. I did the intermediate sprint at the first crossing of the finish line with an eye on the GC. I managed to hang on afterwards. 

"I did everything to be in the top 3 at the finish to take the leader's jersey with the bonus seconds. I started the sprint with 200 meters to go but there was the wind. I'm not a pure sprinter. A guy like Bryan Coquard is faster than me. 

"I hope to keep the jersey but it will be hard in the time trial on Sunday. In the U23 ranks, I was a good time triallists but it's different with the pros. Bob Jungels, for example, is much better than me in this exercise. The task will be difficult but I will give everything to win the Etoile de Bessèges."