Paris: Belgian cyclist Tim Merlier, known for his prowess in sprint finishes, claimed his second consecutive stage victory in the Paris-Nice race on Monday. The Soudal Quick-Step rider impressively overcame a setback caused by a crash 20 kilometers from the finish line, managing to rejoin the lead peloton. The finish line posed a challenge tailored for sprinters, yet Merlier capitalized on the reduced competition to secure the win.
According to Lao News Agency, the 32-year-old Merlier has not only achieved back-to-back stage wins but has also extended his overall lead in the standings after two stages. These stages serve as a precursor to the more extensive Tour de France. “That’s the first time I have won a stage when I was leading the standings,” Merlier expressed, noting the unique feeling of such an accomplishment, despite experiencing restless nights following stage victories.
Two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard maintained his position within the main group, trailing Merlier by 20 seconds in the rankings due to time bonuses. The second stage spanned a flat 183.9 kilometers from Montesson to Bellegarde, with the route progressing towards the Loire Valley on Tuesday.
The crash not only divided the peloton but also marked the end of the race for Luke Durbridge and Gorka Sorarrain. It provided Jonas Abrahamsen with an extended opportunity at the front, where he was eventually caught 5 kilometers from the finish line, earning him the day’s combativity award.
Several overall contenders, including Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek), Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates), and Ben O’Connor (Jayco-AlUla), were caught behind the crash. Tuesday’s stage will commence at the Magny-Cours motor racing circuit, featuring a 28.4-kilometer team time trial with a new format. This format, which assigns the same time to all team riders as the fastest amongst them, removes the necessity for teammates to wait for one another in the closing section. It aims to encourage top riders to attack and will be employed during the Tour de France’s opening stage in Barcelona in 2026.
The subsequent two stages of Paris-Nice present rolling hills as the race progresses south, culminating in two mountain stages in the Riviera backcountry this weekend. The competition is anticipated to be fierce, with a climb up the renowned Col d’Eze offering views of the French Riviera. The race will conclude with a dramatic finish on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais.