Nacer Bouhanni wanted to send a statement to his FDJ.fr team directors at the Giro d’Italia and with three victories now to his name it’s fair to say he’ s done exactly that.
Arnaud Demare is set to lead the French team’s sprinting charge at the Tour de France, but Bouhanni is desperate to be on the start line instead and with the 23-year-old on fine form at the Giro, he has certainly put the cat among the pigeons.
But while Bouhanni celebrated his stage ten triumph, there was despair for Tyler Farrar after the American crashed with just 700 metres to go, while Team Sky’s effort on the final incline failed to yield a result.
So where does it all leave us? Read our five observations over the following pages.