On the eve of Paris-Nice, Sport Director Christian Knees talks us through the challenge ahead, and explains why the ‘Race to the Sun’ is such a special event.
Hi everyone. We are really excited to get started on Sunday here at Paris-Nice. It’s a big, historic race and there is a traditional feel to the parcours this year. We start with two flat stages and the first one is definitely quite punchy. It’s no secret when you start this race that normally there is some crosswind action on these early, flatter days, and maybe even later on in the race, you never know! So that’s pretty exciting stuff and it’s a challenge you have to relish when you race here.
Right now it looks like we’re set for quite good weather, which is unusual for Paris-Nice. But let’s wait and see and we’ll find out more each day as we draw closer. It’s normally called the ‘Race to the Sun’ but it’s not always true every year. We’ve also had some bad weather in Nice too, certainly a couple of years ago. Let’s see as this can make a big impact on how the race plays out.
There’s a team time trial on stage three which is a big feature in the race this year and a big focus for teams. The Dauphine also has a TTT and this is obviously all leading towards the opening stage of the Tour de France in Barcelona. So that’s a big test coming up. Then we have a couple of mid-mountain stages until we hit the last weekend around the Nice area. On stage seven we go to Auron and then the final day finishes around Nice. All in all it’s going to be a really good test for our riders.
In terms of the lineup, we head to the race with a really good group and three exciting young riders who will share the leadership role. Kevin Vauquelin and Oscar Onley both started their season well at Volta ao Algarve, so we hope to continue building on that. And then we also have Carlos Rodriguez, who again started well in Provence with second overall. In support we have Josh Tarling, one of our time trial engines. We know based on previous years that he’s a rider capable of pulling off a surprise in one of the early stages. Similarly Sam Watson is also suited to that. In Kwiato (Michal Kwiatkowski) and Dorian Godon we have two really good guys who, you never know, may also have their own chances at some point in this race. It’s a really strong, balanced team, which can provide support in not only the flatter crosswind stages, but also later on in those key climbing days.
We’re looking forward to this race. It’s always a special one and a true big WorldTour stage race. Historically it’s been quite a successful one for the team and everyone is really motivated to continue that journey with our squad.
Enjoy the race, CK.