Sep Vanmarcke just missed the podium, and finished fourth in the overall standings in the French stage race Poitou Charentes. The Belgian of LottoNL-Jumbo finished fourth in the bunch sprint in the final stage into Pointiers. Matteo Trentin of Team Quick Step won, and his teammate Tony Martin grabbed the overall victory.

The 191-kilometre flat stage to Poitiers had few surprises.

"After half an hour, six riders escaped that were not dangerous for the general classification," said sports director Frans Maassen. "Quick Step controlled the race completely. At the end, we sprinted with 50 riders for the victory. All we could do today was to fight for a stage win.”

Vanmarcke revealed good strength in Charentes, and will have confidence for the next races in the autumn.

"Vanmarcke has really proven that he is in a good shape," added Maassen. "That gives us great confidence in Plouay. I am satisfied with the team. Martens has become much better, and the youngsters have learned a lot here. "
 

The classics star used the race to hone his condition.

"The form is good. I took some rest after the Tour to be good for the races in Canada. But with this form I should be able to play a role in Plouay, too. I was close to a second place in the overall today, but I lost some metres in the last turn and couldn’t close that gap anymore, therefore I missed the bonus seconds. But I can look ahead with this shape, so I’m happy."