Among the riders tipped for a spot on the podium in Paris, Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) was the surprise winner as he finished the opening time trial in 18th, gaining time on all riders from the Fabulous Four.

"It was a nice course, not too curvy, pretty straight. I like that," he said. "I'm not a bad time trialist. In the straight time trials when power speaks for itself and I've got good legs, I know that I'll do well. One day I'd like to do the French championship for time trial if it's on a nice course with serious hills.

"My advantage over the other favorites is nothing compare to what's coming up in the next three weeks. It's anecdotal. However, it's important to be reassured. I was looking forward to the race to begin. Two days at the hotel, it's not what I prefer. 

“Tomorrow, everybody could lose two minutes. When you’re thinking about Paris, 20 seconds is nothing.  Everybody’s worried about the wind tomorrow and we’ll have to pay attention. I hope it goes ok. They’re predicting big gusts. We’re prepared for everything, there’s going to be a lot of elbows and jostling for position.”