Edward Theuns (Topsport Vlaanderen) continued his excellent 2015 season when he finished second behind Bryan Coquard in the first stage of the 4 Days of Dunkirk. The Belgian now trails the Frenchman by 4 seconds in the overall standings.

The Belgian acknowledged Coquard's superiority in the 3-rider sprint.

"I knew it would be almost impossible to beat Coquard in a sprint, and that proved to be true," Theuns told Het Nieuwsblad. "This is unfortunate, but not a disaster. I remember the positive, and that is that I am in second place in the GC with a slight deficit. Moreover, the condition is very good after a little rest. Actually I did not expect this. When I have to go deep, I feel that it is still not going smoothly.

"My spring was magnificent. I also felt pretty good today and wanted to position myself me on the second cobbled sector. First, I could string out the peloton, and suddenly we were three riders away. Did I impose a punishing pace? That is a bit exaggerated. There was a lot of wind, which created splits.

"Tomorrow is a new stage. The final balance is only made on Sunday. I will continue to fight to get that pink jersey," Theuns concluded.

With Edward Theuns in second, Pieter Van Speybrouck in sixth and a seventh place for Tim Declercq, Topsport Vlaanderen did really well. Preben Van Hecke also took the polka dot jersey. In addition, the team will wear pink dossards on Thursday as they lead the teams classification.

"It would all have been even nicer if Edward Theuns had won," said sports director Hans De Clercq. "It is not easy for anyone  to beat Bryan Coquard in a sprint. Moreover, we had bad luck with Oliver Naesen who had a puncture in the finale. He came back to the big group but then he crashed. Fortunately, he only suffered abrasions.

"I think Europcar now have to control the race. The decision will be made on Saturday after the Mont Cassel stage. If there is a chance to strike before that, we'll certainly do that. Edward Theuns is in a good position, but remember that this guy has had a hard spring. We have to wait and see how he will digest consecutive race days. I am already very pleased with our strong collective performance."