Cycling: Aleksandr Vlasov finally got his first win of the season after two second places. The Russian won the seventh stage of Paris – Nice ahead of Remco Evenepoel. Things are getting tighter in the overall standings.
Vlasov attacks at the perfect moment
The professionals only had to cover 104 kilometers on the seventh stage near Paris – Nice. Due to adverse weather conditions, the organizers have significantly shortened the route from Nice to the sacred site of La Madone d'Utelle. Nevertheless, the section was certainly not easy. Finally, the final climb was quite a challenge with a length of 15,1 kilometers and an average gradient of 5,7 percent. After in person from John Jacobs (Movistar) the last breakaway was caught at the beginning of the mountain and Soudal – Quick-Step kept the pace high, the group of favorites continued to thin out. So had to, among other things Joao almeida (UAE) let it tear early. 4,3 kilometers from the finish Remco Evenepoel (Soudal – Quick-Step) his attack. After realizing that he couldn't outrun his companions, he stopped his attack. Then attacked Alexander Vlasov (Bora – hansgrohe) – with success.
McNulty loses valuable time
Da Alexander Vlasov (Bora – hansgrohe) was not a direct threat to the podium candidates in the overall standings, they let him drive. The Russian immediately opened up a gap of 20 seconds and thus drove towards his first win of the season. In the event of another attack by Remco Evenepoel (Soudal – Quick-Step) revealed Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) as well as weaknesses, like leaders Brandon McNulty (UAE). But the group around the world champion still didn't harmonize, which finally paved the way for Vlasov's victory. The man in yellow can keep his leader jersey, even if his lead has dwindled to just a few seconds and he Matteo Jorgenson (Visma – Lease a Bike) is now close on its heels. There are now only four seconds between the two Americans.
Zabel & Ackermann get out
As expected, numerous sprinters did not take part in today's section because there is nothing left for them to gain from this tour. Among other things, they have Rick Zabel (Israel – Premier Tech), Pascal Ackermann (Israel – Premier Tech), Tanning Thijssen (Intermarché – Wanty), Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla) and Arnaud Demare (Arkéa – B&B Hotels) decided to do so.
Le contra de @ale_vlasov ! Il a creusé un écart!
It's now @ale_vlasov! He's opened a gap!#ParisNice pic.twitter.com/sSRnux08mk
— Paris Nice (@ParisNice) March 9, 2024