It was a positive day at the saddle for UAE Team Emirates’ Alexander Kristoff as the Norwegian followed up Saturday’s top five finish with another, crossing the line in fifth place during Sunday’s second stage to La Roche-sur-Yon.

The reigning European champion came into the final stretch alongside his fellow sprint specialists as they battled it out in the closing kilometre in what was another thrilling finish.

Commenting on the stage, the 31-year-old said: “I came from a little too far back. I knew I had to move up but I didn’t really have the legs to do it.

“I did my best and if I was stronger I could have fought with the best, but I lack the legs at the moment to fight amongst the first three. I hope my legs become stronger later but I felt a bit better today.”

Dan Martin added: “We’ve managed to keep our guard as much as possible. We worked a lot on our TTT. We have a very strong team here. Hopefully we can put in a good performance for ourselves.”

Best for UAE Team Emirates on stage two were: Marco Marcato (51st), Kristijan Durasek (99th), Darwin Atapuma (100th), Roberto Ferrari (111th), Rory Sutherland (144th), Oliviero Troia (156th).

Monday’s third stage will be the first Time Trial on this year’s Tour – a 35km Team Time Trial around the town of Cholet. Focus will be key for each team as they hope to get their GC contenders across the line with the best possible time.