Greig Leach

As fatigue set in, and the nerves began to fray, riders began to hit the deck, crashing from touches of wheels or momentary lapses of attention. One of those to hit the deck was the former French champion, Armaud Demare (FDJ). Demare joined with Gregor Muhlberger (Bora-Argon 18), one of Muhlberger's teammates, and Luka Mezgec (Orica-GreenEdge) in the dash to race back up to the peloton. Demare was more fortunate than some who crashed. First he was able to get back up on his bike, while others were not able to continue, and he was also able to catch back onto the rear of the peloton. In so doing, he was still able to harbor hopes of playing in the finale of the race in about 25 kilometers.