Benjamin Thomas takes time-trial victory and moves into overall lead on stage 3 of the 4 Jours du Dunkerque

Cofidis's Benjamin Thomas has had a double success on the third stage of the 4 Jours du Dunkerque as he took the stage win and moved into the overall race lead.

Stage 3 is the race's sole time-trial, with almost 16 kilometres in distance. A key day for the overall classification in Saint-Quentin, it isn't a pan-flat time-trial but it is one where the specialists can make a difference.

Niklas Larsen of the Uno-X Pro Cycling Team set down an early marker for the following riders to try and match with his time of 19:30.

The likes of Jos van Emden, Lewis Askey and Max Walscheid all did solid times at 19:57, 20:12 and 20:07 respectively.

Cees Bol then put in a very impressive showing. The sprinter clocked the second fastest time of the day to that point with his effort of 19:47.

After a long time in the hot seat, Larsen's time was finally beaten by Benjamin Thomas who managed to achieve a time of 19:21.

Kasper Asgreen put in a good effort coming home in 19:35 but was unable to challenge the Cofidis rider's time.

Overall leader Samuel Leroux came through the first time check in 23rd position and at the finish line he was 24th.

After the dust had settled and the time gaps had been calculated it was Thomas who took the overall lead of the race.

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