Roglic and Dennis both aiming high in Gien

March 9 ^th 2021 - 05:38

Stage 3, a 14.4-km individual time trial around Gien, is more than just a crucial moment in this Paris-Nice. It is also the first major test in the solitary effort this season for both the specialists and the favourites for overall victory in this edition. While Primoz Roglic fits in both categories, a very serious contender for the stage honours is Australia’s Rohan Dennis, the 2018 and 2019 time trial world champion, now with added pressure since Ineos Grenadiers team-mate and compatriot Richie Porte was forced out of the Race to the Sun after a crash on the road to St Cyr l’Ecole. Dennis is certainly with Roglic the best time-triallist in this year’s field, now that Tony Martin, the 2011, 2012 and 2013 world champion, is past his prime. The other specialists in the bunch are Belgium’s Victor Campenaerts, Australia’s Luke Durbridge and Frenchman Remi Cavagna, who will be eager to do well on home turf. 

But time trials so early in the season can lead to relative surprises like the TT win by Soren Kragh Andersen over a similar distance in St Amand-Montrond a year ago. The Dane will be looking for a repeat victory this year. His former team-mate Michael Matthews, now back with Australian Team Bike Exchange will have the extra motivation of competing with the yellow and white jersey on his back. Five years ago, “Bling” took the Paris-Nice leader’s jersey in a shorter time trial but his qualities against the clock are real and he should not be overlooked.

Among the riders keeping an eye on the general classification, Luxembourg’s Bob Jungels (Ag2R-Citroen) is one of the riders who will need to perform at his best to position himself up the standings. “He has trained specially hard for this Paris-Nice, his team manager Vincent Lavenu told paris-nice.fr. With Quick Step, he changed as a one-day race rider as it is the team’s trademark, but we think we can turn him back into a stage race winner and he will be aiming for a podium here.”