Paris-Nice’s decisive mountain stage into Auron could turn into a survival test on Saturday. The freezing temperatures and possible snowfall are being a bit of a pain for the race. (So much for the Race to the Sun, eh?)
Organizers are already discussing contingency plans with local authorities to avoid a full cancellation if conditions worsen.
Course designer and former pro Thierry Gouvenou confirmed that talks are underway with regional officials and municipalities to adjust the route if necessary. The goal is to keep the race going, even if that means shortening the stage.
Tights FTW?
Race leader Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) said no problemo, basically.
The Dane joked he might have to bring out his “winter pants” if the weather turns truly miserable. His sartorial choices were the talk of the Internet the other day, so he had to crack a joke. He wore a pair of bib shorts over his kit–that were meant to be ripped off at some point by two teammates. The only problem was the pace was too fast–and he had no pals around to help him. Still, it didn’t stop him from crushing the stage and taking the lead.
If the stage is shortened or altered, the dynamics of the race could shift dramatically. But either way, even if it is a bit shorter, the race will still be in nasty conditions. Basically a day for Canadians.
And good news–there are two racing. Nick Zukowsky, and Guillaume Boivin. The Pinarello-Q36.5 rider currently sits 13th overall. He’s had a great Paris-Nice so far, with two stages remaining.
Update: The organizers posted the stage will be altered.
“We will depart in a convoy at 12:00 PM to head to a new starting point 47 km from the finish line,” ASO posted on X. “We will start the race again at 1:45 PM from this location for the final 47 km of the race.”
The finish line will now be at Isola and just 47 km long.
To watch the penultimate stage of Paris-Nice, tune into FloBikes.com at 8: 25 a.m. EDT. Hopefully the weather in Nice is….nice, tomorrow. Canadian Cycling Magazine will have a full report after, too. So bundle up, pour some coffee, and enjoy the show. Tirreno-Adriatico is on Flo too–it starts at 8:05 a.m. EDT. So open a couple of tabs and check back and forth for a solid Saturday of bike racin’.
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