Geraint Thomas emerged from a day hit by rain and snow with his hopes of victory in the Race to the Sun intact.

The Cardiff-born racer moved up two places overall to fifth after claiming a bonus second on the opening stage to Vendome.

Thomas, who was seventh in the prologue on Sunday, now trails leader Michael Matthews of Australia by eight seconds.

The riders face their longest stage of the eight day race on Tuesday – 132.6miles – before the battle really begins with Wednesday’s first summit finish.

Thomas could look to make his move then as he bids to follow-up his victory in last month’s Volta ao Algarve.

The Team Sky rider finished 10th yesterday as his team-mate Ben Swift was just edged out of a victory in the sprint finish by France’s Arnaud Demare.
endig