Swift attacked with 100 metres to go of the 198 kilometres journey from Conde-sur-Vesgre, where wind, rain and gravel were among the tests for the peloton.

But Démare held his nerve perfectly to break ahead in the final moments and win in 4hours 29min 53sec.

Nacer Bouhanni of France finished in a close third, on the same time.

Australia's Michael Matthews crossed the line in fifth place to retain his overall lead following his prologue victory yesterday.

Matthews now leads Dutch rival Tom Dumoulin by three seconds after gaining extra time in an intermediate sprint.

New Zealand's Patrick Bevun lies third a further second back, four ahead of Spain's Jon Izagirre.

Britain's Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas, one of the pre-race favourites, lies fifth on the same time.

Australian challenger Ritchie Porte is 12 seconds behind the leader in eighth place.

Tomorrow's 213.5km flat stage from Contres to Commentry in central France should be another one to favour the sprinters.