You make your own luck in sport, as we are so often told, and after Japanese champion Yakiya Arashiro hit the deck on the pacey descent towards the finish line, Team Europcar proved such a sentiment. A phenomenal team effort to get their GC leader back in the leading group ensued, ensuring he remains one of few riders still within a minute of Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo).

And the rewards for their effort came as Kevin Reza snatched second place on the line and Arashiro also secured a top-ten stage finish. Reza’s second place means four WorldTour points to the tally for the French team – much needed after an unspectacular start to their first season among pro cycling’s elite. Arashiro was a surprise pick as team leader to some, but has justified his selection and rewarded the efforts of his team-mates so far. The 29-year-old could well be one to watch this season.