GRAVELINES (FRANCE) - Bryan Coquard claimed Wednesday's opening stage of the Four Days of Dunkirk after beating French rival Nacer Bouhanni in a sprint finish.
France's Bryan Coquard celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the second stage of the 46th edition of the Etoile de Besseges cycling race on February 4, 2016 in Mejannes-le-Clap, France
Coquard, who also won the first stage of last year's race, edged out Dutch rider Raymond Kreder with Bouhanni third at the end of the 191km run from Dunkirk to Gravelines.
The Olympic omnium silver medallist will wear the race leader's pink jersey going into Thursday's second stage, a 188km ride to Aniche.
Stage one results:
1. Bryan Coquard (FRA) 4hr 28min 53sec, 2. Raymond Kreder (NED) s.t., 3. Nacer Bouhanni (FRA) s.t., 4. Bert Van Lerberghe (BEL) s.t., 5. Kenny Dehaes (BEL) s.t.