2015 Paris Nice: St Amand-Montrond to St Pourcain-sur-Sioule 179km

[barmaher]

Another underwhelming day in Paris-Nice. I actually like the route for the remainder of the race, but they should really have done something about the stages from Monday to Wednesday.

Anyway, today sees them once again travel south east, with another mostly cloudy day on more (mainly) flat roads with (again) very little wind forecast.

I predict another weak breakaway, reeled in before the end and another sprint finish.

There is a moderate kick up at the end, but it is really only an altitude gain of 16m.

With the Gorilla back on form, he is probably the most likely winner. But again you have riders like Demare, Bouhanni, Hausller, Degenkolb and Kristoff in with a shout.

Eeeny meeeny miney mo.

I pick Bouhanni.

 

[wirral]

Gilbert and the obligatory Bretagne Seche in the break. Wiggins has a plan and sets off after them with another token Frenchman in tow.

 

[Kwibus]

Bunchsprint. Winner depends on positioning.

 

[wirral]

Winner has shown his colours for the day and drops back to the [back of the] pack leaving the pro conti token French guy in no-man's land. "Merci, Wiggo," he thinks to himself.

 

[Sasquatch]

Whoever is 2nd coming into that corner 300m from the end will win. Giant to get their train right and deliver Degenkolb.

 

[MartinGT]

Degonkolb for me

 

[dduff442]

C-cycling says Cocquard and with Voeckler and Gilbert in the break he sounds like a good bet.

 

[Jspear]

C-cycling says Cocquard and with Voeckler and Gilbert in the break he sounds like a good bet.

CN ticker has these guys in the break:

Florian Vachon
P. Gilbert
T. Voeckler

I don't think Cocquard is there.

 

[dduff442]

CN ticker has these guys in the break:

Florian Vachon
P. Gilbert
T. Voeckler

I don't think Cocquard is there.

He's not, but Voeckler's his team mate, the break has a decent lead, and a high pace over the last 40kms is to his advantage.

 

[barmaher]

23km remaining.

The break has 1'33" over the peloton, which is being led by the sprinters' teams.

Gilbert led over all three Category 3 climbs, so he will wear the KOM jersey tomorrow.

 

[Panda Claws]

The break is going pretty strong if you look at the pack's speed.

EDIT: Nevermind they're getting caught fast.

 

[BeagRigh]

That ramp is steeper than I expected...

 

[Netserk]

Kristoff ftw. The run in is not too difficult. I thought the corner would be tighter.

 

[scholar]

Another underwhelming day in Paris-Nice. I actually like the route for the remainder of the race, but they should really have done something about the stages from Monday to Wednesday.

They could always try starting it somewhere other than Paris.

 

[SafeBet]

Is that Bardet?

 

[Netserk]

BrownPower!

 

[SafeBet]

Bardet, Bakelants, Tiralongo.
They have 16"!

 

[Bushman]

Barnet looked really strong in that attack.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Pretty strong attack actually. Nice to see someone giving it a go.

 

[Netserk]

Kwiatkowski to try and mix it up with the sprinters?

 

[Netserk]

Perfectly executed by Orica.

 

[shalgo]

Impressive display by Orica.

 

[Bushman]

Matthews wins. Great leadout by Orica. Bonifazio second and Nizzolo (?) third.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Perfectly done by OGE.

 

[grizzlee]

bling!!!!!!!!!!!!!