The 84th edition of Paris–Nice is underway. Two stages are already in the books and the peloton has begun its journey south through France. Tomorrow, the riders will head to the Nièvre for a team time trial.
From the very first kilometres of stage one, Mathis Le Berre seized his chance to join the day’s breakaway. In a small leading group, he spent nearly 163 kilometres ahead of the peloton. Caught just two kilometres from the finish, he and his fellow escapees animated the race for most of the day.
His effort was rewarded with the combativity award for the Breton rider.
As the race approached the final sprint, Anthony Turgis and Sandy Dujardin were still well positioned in the fast finish. They both secured Top-20 results, finishing 11th and 16th respectively.
More of the same on stage two, as Mathis Le Berre once again featured at the front of the race. This time with a clear objective: to collect as many points as possible in the mountains classification.
After a strong duel with Casper Pedersen, Mathis ended the day with 14 points and currently sits second in the standings, a classification that is set to evolve further from Wednesday.
As expected, the second stage ended in a bunch sprint. Perfectly led out by Florian Dauphin, Anthony Turgis powered to a Top-10 finish in Montargis. A solid result, although it came with a hint of frustration, as our sprinter found himself boxed in during the final metres.
Meanwhile, Sandy Dujardin was involved in a crash with 30 kilometres to go. He is currently being treated for several contusions and abrasions. The examination carried out by the race’s medical service, as well as the first assessments from our medical staff, are reassuring.
Tomorrow, our seven riders will line up for the 23.5-kilometre team time trial, which will take them to Pouilly-sur-Loire.
