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US rider Matteo Jorgenson is poised to successfully defend his Paris-Nice title, with the American rider fending off his rivals with a fine performance on the final summit finish of this year’s race.
The Visma-Lease a Bike rider held firm in wet, cold conditions, riding strongly on the climb of Auron and finishing alongside the other GC contenders.
The German Floran Lipowitz was the only dangerman to gain time. The Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider started the day second overall, 40 seconds back, and while he nipped clear just before the line, he only gained three seconds on Jorgenson.
The stage win went to Michael Storer (Tudor Pro Cycling), who was part of the day’s big 15 man breakaway and forged ahead on the final climb.
The Australian beat Mauro Schmid (Team Jayco AlUla) by 20 seconds, with Georg Steinhauser (EF Education-EasyPost) third, a further ten seconds back.
Felix Gall was best of the chasing group in sixth place, 57 seconds down, while Jorgenson’s group—which also contained compatriots Magnus Sheffield (Ineos Grenadiers) and Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)—was at 1:14.
The race continues Sunday with a mountainous stage starting and finishing in Nice. It takes in four climbs, but Jorgenson’s 37 second lead will have him feeling good about his chances.
Sheffield and McNulty sit sixth and seventh overall.
More to follow soon
