Just like last year, Ramon Sinkeldam (Giant-Shimano) was beaten into second by Arnaud Demare in the first stage of the 4 Days of Dunkirk but despite being given the perfect lead-out the Dutchman was not the least disappointed. Admitting Demare's superiority, he was just happy to mix it up with a world-class sprinter.

After a wind-swept opening stage of the five-day long Four Days of Dunkerque, Ramon Sinkeldam has finished runner-up in a close fought sprint with Nikias Arndt just behind holding on for eighth.

The team were in a good position in the final five hundred metres but a fast Arnaud Démare (FDJ) came over the top with speed to take the win in the final 100m.

The peloton was battered by strong winds in the north of France all day long on the 163km stage to Coudekerque-Branchem and the bunch was gradually whittled down throughout the day leaving just over 60 riders in the final kilometres to fight out the stage win.

The final riders from the day’s breakaway were reeled in within the final 20km and despite some powerful late attacks the front of the race came back together for a sprint finish.

Thierry Hupond started the lead-out for Team Giant-Shimano, bringing Arndt and Sinkeldam up into position before Arndt launched Sinkeldam through the final technical turns before the finish straight.

After the stage Sinkeldam confirmed that it was a tough day out there today. He said:

“The whole day it was full gas in the crosswinds which means paying attention the whole time and making sure you stay near the front. The team did a good job to stay in position and stick together and even when it got really hard and split up we worked hard to get back together.

“In the final everything went perfect for me with Thierry and Nikias doing a great job at the end but Démare came past with a lot of speed and there was little I could do. You always hope for more when you finish second but he is a world-class sprinter so I am happy with the result.

“The next few days a lot will depend on the weather as a lot of rain and more wind is forecast which will make things difficult but together with Nikias and myself we have some options for the finishes. If I don’t make it over the hills at the end of the week and Nikias does then the focus will be on him – we will take it day-by-day.

“I’ve had a little break since Paris-Roubaix – normally I don’t have a problems getting straight back into racing after a break like this and today was the same. Of course when it’s full gas it feels different to if you have done a few races but today was fine, and I felt pretty good and am confident about the next few days.”