Eight thrilling days in France: Images from Paris-Nice

Eight thrilling days in France: Images from Paris-Nice

A look back at the eight stages from Paris-Nice

Photos: James Startt Words: James Startt

In recent years, Paris-Nice seems to get overlooked. With Milan-San Remo – the season’s first Monument – looming in Italy, the Italian build-up race Tirreno-Adriatico garners much of the attention.

But year in, year out, Paris-Nice continues to attract a stellar field of riders as well as provide great, and sometimes telling racing. This was a case in point with Tour de France champions Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard lining up for a rare early-season rematch. But then in many ways, Paris-Nice is a mini Tour. 

Unlike the stage race Tirreno-Adriatico which cuts across the middle of Italy, Paris-Nice races through much of France, starting near Paris and finishing on the mythic French Côte d'Azur in Nice. Each stage is distinctly different, each with a unique landscape, different weather and types of racing.

Read more: Pogačar dominates in style - How Paris-Nice unfolded

They call Paris-Nice the Race to the Sun, and this year lived up to its reputation as the race left the winter-like weather in the north behind and basked in the sun on the final weekend around the back hills of Nice. 

Despite the constantly changing weather and terrain, Slovenian superstar Pogačar was a constant, frequently attacking and racing away from his opponents to win three stages and the yellow jersey. It was a commanding performance, and as he raced across the line in Nice, winning his third stage, Pogačar actually bowed, honoring not only the fans, but this historic race. 

Riders racing past an old post office in FranceThe peloton races past an old telegraph and post office in a small village on their way to Fontainebleau during stage two.

Tadej Pogačar in the white jersey leading the men's pelotonAlready in the opening stages, Pogačar was constantly on the attack, attempting to translate the slightest hill or crosswind into an advantage.

The men's peloton in a bunch sprint Bunch sprints marked the opening stages, with Mads Pedersen grabbing stage two in a mad dash to the line.

The pink jerseys of EF Education-EasyPost during the team time trial

The EF Education-EasyPost team rode a masterful team time trial, finishing just one second behind the Jumbo-Visma squad, and catapulting Danish rider Magnus Cort into the yellow jersey.

Tadej Pogačar in the breakawayWith the help of his UAE Team Emirates team, Pogačar managed to finish just 12 seconds out of the lead. 

The men's peloton racing through FranceThe breakaway races through a small village midway through stage four.

Tadej Pogačar dominates during Paris-Nice Meanwhile Pogačar could once again be seen driving the peloton behind.

Tadej Pogačar celebrating his stage victoryGoing on the attack in the final kilometers, Pogačar soloed to his first stage win on the summit of La Loge des Gardes.

Men's peloton racing through FranceThe peloton cruises past the town church in Saint-Maurice-sur-Dargoire in the opening kilometers of stage five.

Spectator watches as the peloton passThis local resident takes a break as Paris-Nice rolls by his garage on stage five.

Men's peloton crossing a bridge in FranceThe peloton crosses the Rhone River in La Voulte-sur-Rhône as they make their way towards Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux.

Men's peloton racing through FranceWith stage six cancelled due to overpowering mistral winds, the peloton was only too happy to find the sun in Nice. As they rolled out at the start of stage seven, they passed by the iconic Negresco Hotel, the crowning jewel of the Promenade des Anglais.

Men's peloton racing in FranceWearing the yellow jersey, Pogačar was constantly near the front as the race looped around the hills of Côte d’Azur.

Tadej Pogačar in the yellow jersey on a bend during Paris-NicePogačar races down one of the many technical descents on the rugged hills found on this corner of the Mediterranean Coast.

The men's peloton racing through FranceThe peloton makes its way up the Côte de Levens on the final stage of this year’s Paris-Nice.

Tadej Pogačar attacking in the yellow jerseyAttacking one last time, Pogačar powers towards his third stage win on the Col d’Eze outside of Nice.

Tadej Pogačar in the yellow jersey takes a bow at the finish linePogačar takes a bow after his command performance in this year’s Paris-Nice, one that included a stunning hat trick of stage wins.

Photos: James Startt Words: James Startt

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