Martin Elmiger (Ag2r-La Mondiale) is the new leader at the Tour de Picardie after winning Saturday’s second stage in an attack-riddled stage from Ribemont to Clérmont-de-l’Oise.

Elmiger was part of a late counter-attack that surged away when the day’s main breakaway was caught with about 20km to go. Elmiger stayed clear a few seconds of the chasing lead pack to win the stage and take the leader’s jersey.

“With 10km to go, I was in a breakaway with about another dozen riders, and after a technique descent, it was reduced to three. We rolled ‘a bloc’ and the final was very nervous and the peloton was catching us fast,” Elmiger recounted after his win. “I am very happy with this victory and we’ll see what happens tomorrow about the overall.”

Overnight leader Sebastian Siedler (Skil-Shimano) slips to second at four seconds back and Sébastian Chavanel (FDJeux) slots in at third at five seconds back. Alexander Moos snagged the climber’s jersey for U.S.-based BMC after sneaking into the day’s main breakaway.

The four-stage Picardie tour concludes Sunday with a split stage. The morning sector is a 88.5km road stage followed by an unusual afternoon 95km road stage.