Paris - Nice 2016: Matthews cements lead with victory in stage 2

At 213.5 kilometres, the longest stage in Paris-Nice leads to a bunch sprint in Commentry. Bouhanni speeds to the line, while Matthews comes up on the left. The Frenchman closes the door on the leader and crosses the line first, but he is put in 3rd position afterwards and Matthews wins the stage. Taking 10 second time bonus and 1 second clear win he now is 14 seconds ahead of Tom Dumoulin. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 2nd stage Paris-Nice

1. Michael Matthews (aus)
2. Niccolò Bonifazio (ita) s.t.
3. Nacer Bouhanni (fra) s.t.
4. Alexander Kristoff (nor) + 0.01
5. Arnaud Démare (fra) s.t.
6. Ben Swift (gbr) s.t.
7. André Greipel (ger) s.t
8. Wouter Wippert (nld) s.t.
9. Adrien Petit (fra) s.t.
10. Jonas Van Genechten (bel) s.t.

GC after stage 2
1. Michael Matthews (aus)
2. Tom Dumoulin (nld) + 0.14
3. Patrick Bevin (nzl) + 0.19
4. Ion Izagirre (spa) s.t.
5. Geraint Thomas (gbr) s.t.
6. Lieuwe Westra (nld) + 0.24
7. Dries Devenyns (bel) + 0.25
8. Arnaud Démare (fra) s.t.
9. Rafal Majka (pol) + 0.27
10. Richie Porte (aus) z.t.
11. Tim Wellens (bel) + 0.28
12. Wilco Kelderman (nld) + 0.30

17. Tony Gallopin (fra) + 0.33
18. Alberto Contador (spa) z.t.
27. Romain Bardet (fra) + 0.42
28. Sergio Henao (col) + 0.43
29. Ilnur Zakarin (rus) s.t.
36. Rui Costa (por) + 0.49

Race report
Tsgabu Grmay, Mathias Brandle, Anthony Delaplace and Evaldas Siskevicius attack from the gun. In 30 kilometres they enjoy a lead at over 10 minutes.

Then the pack takes control. Right now, with 1 lap at 17 kms to go the gap is down to 0’35”. Brandle and Siskevicius are the last escapees at the front and they shake hands with 12 kms left. Their party is over. It’s up tp to the sprinters now.

Or should we say boxers? Bouhanni seems to be heading for glory when Matthews pops up beside him. The Frenchman closes the door on him, but eventually he is disqualified en Matthews takes his second stage win in Paris-Nice 2016. Because of the time bonus and a small gap he puts 11 seconds into his oponents.