Cycling: Another sprint gave us a real cycling highlight. In the photo finish, Arnaud Démare (Groupama-FDJ) won the first stage of the long-distance Paris-Nice race. The result could only be presented minutes after the finish line.
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André Greipel works for Tim Wellens
At the start of the Paris-Nice long-distance journey, the drivers only had to cover 135 kilometers from Chatou to Meudon. However, this first day of the WorldTour was not to be easy. The profile not only promised two climbs in the middle of the race, but also another 500 meters before the finish. The Côte de Meudon ruled out a conventional bunch sprint. For example, Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) put his feet up in the pouring rain. André Greipel (Lotto Soudal), on the other hand, put himself in the service of his captain Tim Wellens. Ultimately, the Belgian should also be in the finish photo. Although he was clearly in the lead two meters from the finish line, he was only fourth in the end.
Arnaud Démare crowns a hard day's work for Groupama-FDJ
The Groupama-FDJ team, which started today for the first time in the new jersey and was at the front of the field all day, was rewarded. Despite the difficult finish, the team believed Arnaud Démare had a chance – and they were right. After Alexis Vuillermoz (AG2R La Mondiale) attacked on the last climb and looked almost certain to win, Arnaur Démare opened the sprint extremely early. He overtook his French compatriot but was then sprinted by Gorka Izagirre (Bahrain-Merida). But the Frenchman didn't give up and ended up crossing the finish line neck and neck with Gorka Izagirre, Tim Wellens (Lotto Soudal) and Christophe Laporte (Cofidis). Only minutes after crossing the finish line could it be announced: Arnaud Démare had won by a hair's breadth.
Paris-Nice Stage Profile #2: Orsonville – Vierzon (187,5 km)
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Paris-Nice Stage Profile #3: Bourges – Châtel-Guyon (210,0 km)
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4th stage Paris-Nice 2018: La Fouillouse - Saint-Étienne (18,4 km / EZF)
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Paris-Nice Stage Profile #5: Salon-de-Provence – Sisteron (165,0 km)
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Stage 6 Paris-Nice 2018: Sisteron – Vence (198,0 km)
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Paris-Nice Stage Profile #7: Nice – Valdeblore La Colmiane (175,0 km)
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Paris-Nice Stage Profile #8: Nice – Nice (110,0 km)
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