Anthony Ravard retained his Classic de l'Indre title after victory in the twelfth round of the Coupe de France in Chatearoux.

Ravard claimed the trophy in 2008 and 2010 and secured his hat-trick of wins with a well executed sprint.

The riders had to endure very difficult conditions on the relatively flat circuit as the stifling heat held up for the duration of the event.

They were required to perform efficiently in the energy-sapping heat as they gave it their all in the 1.7 kilometre home stretch.

Any attempt to break away was short lived as the peloton came together towards the end of the race.

Ravard, who crossed the line in 4:23.07, marginally beat Belarusian Yauheni Hutarovich who was shortly followed by Dutchman Jasper Bovenhuis.

Eurosport