Julien Simon was again close to a stage victory in the Tour du Limousin when he finished second in today's queen stage. The near-miss left the Cofidis rider very disappointed as he has been close to a victory in the race several times in the past.

Being one of the greatest French puncheurs, Julien Simon was naturally one of the favourites for today's queen stage of the Tour du Limousin which finished on a short 3km climb. However, the Cofidis rider who has been one of the strongest riders in the French races all season, was narrowly beaten into second by Mauro Finetto.

Having fallen out of GC contention in stage 1, Simon was fully focused on the stage win and so he was hugely disappointed with the outcome.

"I'm very disappointed," he told Directvelo. "This is the third year I have finished second or third in a stage of the Tour du Limousin. I was really good today. I attacked 300-350 meters from the line when Remy Di Gregorio was alone in front. I tried to make an immediate difference. Maybe I should have used the big chainring.

"Mauro Finetto must have made his effort at the right time, because I felt that Davide Rebellin (CCC Polsat) was behind me. He passed me at the last moment. 

"Tomorrow I will see which strategy to adopt. With no GC ambitions, it's all for the stage win. In 2013, I attacked on the final climb on the finishing circuit. But Stephane Rossetto was already ahead and he stayed away. I was 5th or 6th. Tomorrow is another day."