It made for a strange sight – where spectators are usually treated to the fierce roar of car and motorbike engines, the peloton instead tackled the circuit of Magny-Cours.

As iconic sporting locations go in France, Magny-Cours is certainly high on the list and it made for a novel finale to the stage. A slight wobble, and a few riders having to ride on the grass verge, perhaps suggested the bunch lacked the same vorsprung durch technik of the motor racing industry, though.

Nevertheless, the sight of John Degenkolb leading out the sprint, thanks to a perfect set up by Giant-Shimano, where in the past it was his compatriot Michael Schumacher taking the checkered flag, made for great viewing for the spectators in the grandstand. Could it catch on? Well the 2011 Tour de France raced along the famous track at Le Mans. Perhaps Mick Bennett, race director of the Tour of Britain, should put a call in to Silverstone next? Or perhaps we should just stick to what we know – the picturesque countryside.