Sep Vanmarcke briefly enjoyed wearing the white leader’s jersey during the third day of the Tour du Poitou Charentes. The Belgian Team LottoNL-Jumbo cyclist claimed the overall in the morning stage, but could not match Tony Martin (Etixx-QuickStep) in the time trial later on the day.

The German recorded the third fastest time in the 23-kilometre race against the clock, enough to take over the lead. Movistar’s Adriano Malori won the time trial.

Marc Sarreau (FDJ) dashed to victory in the morning stage. Moreno Hofland, who’s still not 100 per cent fit after his crash in the Vattenfall Cyclassics, placed sixth. Vanmarcke finished safely in the first group, while Arnaud Gerard (Brittany - Séché Environnement) lost his lead after crossing the line in a second peloton.

“We knew it was going to be very difficult to keep the jersey, but Sep rode a strong time trial," said team manager, Frans Maassen. “The jersey came as a surprise this morning. Sep was leading out Moreno and apparently, the peloton split. It was nice bonus start the TT as race leader.”

Vanmarcke was pleased with his effort in the time trial.

“I’ve focused a little more on time trialling than before. Every race I go better. This eighth place is my best ever result and so happy I’m happy. I wanted to get some hard racing under my belt in the run-up up to the upcoming races and I think I’ve already been successful in that regard.”

Vanmarcke is not yet ready, however. On Friday, he wants to go all-in once again.

“I’m overall fourth now. Martin is quite far ahead, but the race isn’t over yet and so anything is possible. Movistar is second and third. I reckon they’ll want to try something, as well.”