How to topple Bennett?

March 8 ^th 2021 - 04:53

Paris-Nice is quite familiar with Amilly, having stopped in this little town close to Montargis four times in the past. While the first two stages held there in 2008 and 2009 were opening time trials won by Thor Hushovd and Alberto Contador respectively, the Race to the Sun returned to Amilly twice in 2011 and 2017 for bunch sprints crowning Greg Henderson and Sonny Colbrelli. A similar scenario is most likely on Monday at the end of the 188 km stage from Ointville-sur-Montcient, with most of the same protagonists as in today’s opener. Sam Bennett will again be supported by the whole of his Deceuninck-Quick Step team to retain or even strengthen his leader’s jersey. Given the strength of the Belgian team since the start of the season, the Irishman remains the man to beat. As he put him himself: “Michael (Morkov) awlays seems to get me there the whole time!”

But the rest of the sprinters armada will be eager for revenge. French chalmpion Arnaud Demare and former world champion Mads Pedersen came close in St Cyr l’Ecole and will hope luck might turn their way this time. Michael Matthews also went for bonus points and made it clear he was eyeing the yellow and white jersey as a trophy to aim at. Recent Paris-Nice history has shown that the roads down from the Parisian area to central France can often be swept by strong winds and create echelons. It would be the only chance to rule some of the fast guys out of contention but a final sprint still seems most probable regardless of the number of riders left in contention in the finale.