BORA-hansgrohe Team (Germany) - The third day at Paris – Nice was another stage for the fast men in the peloton. The riders started in the city of Cepoy and a 200 kilometer-long parcours took them to Moulins/Yzeure. It was the first day without rain and heavy crosswinds, and it looked like everybody in the bunch was enjoying the ride after two demanding days. Therefore, it also took some time until two riders attacked from the peloton to stay at the front for most of the stage, while the main field allowed them a gap of up to four minutes. Also, BORA – hansgrohe took it a little easier today, protecting their leaders in a cruising peloton. With 39 km to go, the break was caught and right before the lead up to the finale, a big crash effected the bunch. Unfortunately, Pawel Poljanski was involved but managed to get back on the bike without any injuries. When Team Sky stared to wind things up before the last intermediate sprint of the day, Felix Großschartner took the opportunity to grab one of the bonus seconds which puts him into 11thplace in the GC after the day. Even Team Sky tried really hard to force a split on the last six kilometers, a compact bunch entered Moulins/Yzeure. BORA – hansgrohe hit the front late, to lead-out their sprinter Sam Bennett, but it was the perfect moment to deliver Sam in a promising position. After opening his sprint pretty early, the Irish was able to hold off the other fast men today, securing a stunning victory at stage three of Paris – Nice. 

Results:

1. S.Bennett: 5:16:25
2. C.Ewan: +0:00
3. F. Jakobsen: +0:00

From the Finish Line:

“I didn’t train that much in the cold this winter and therefore had some troubles the last two days. But I knew the form is there and today I felt a lot better. Of course, the stage was also easier, but there are a lot of great sprinters here in the peloton this year. Groenewegen was almost unbeatable the last two days, but today everything went perfect for me. The boys did a great job, they knew exactly what to do on the last kilometer and delivered me in a perfect position. I want to thank the whole BORA – hansgrohe squad, I am more than happy with this stage win. I really wanted to pay back the hard work of the guys. It was a long sprint, but I knew I could do it. It seems like Paris – Nice likes me like I like the race.” – Sam Bennett.

“After two intense and demanding days in cold and rainy conditions, today’s stage finished with the first real bunch sprint. Sam was up there and once again he showed his extra class. But I want to highlight the great effort of the whole team. Today everything went perfect and we are really happy with this win.” – Jens Zemke, Sports Director.