Paris - Nice 2016: Wellens takes stage 7, Thomas wins Race to the Sun
The final stage of Paris-Nice brings 141 kilometres and six climbs. On the penultimate climb Contador attacks and opens a thrilling finale. He comes close, but eventually Geraint Thomas wins Paris-Nice 2016 with a 4 seconds lead. Tim Wellens, who was in the early break, takes the stage at the Promenade des Anglais ahead of Contador and Porte. (Slideshow route/profile)
Results stage 7 Paris-Nice
1. Tim Wellens (bel)
2. Alberto Contador (spa) s.t.
3. Richie Porte (aus) s.t.
4. Tony Gallopin (fra) + 0.05
5. Simon Yates (gbr) s.t.
6. Arnold Jeannesson (fra) s.t.
7. Rui Costa (por) s.t.
8. José Herrada (spa) s.t.
9. Romain Bardet (fra) s.t.
10. Ion Izagirre (spa) s.t.
GC after stage 7
1. Geraint Thomas (gbr)
2. Alberto Contador (spa) + 0.04
3. Richie Porte (aus) +0.12
4. Ilnur Zakarin (fus) + 0.20
5. Ion Izagirre (spa) + 0.37
6. Sergio Henao (col) + 0.44
7. Simon Yates (gbr) s.t.
8. Tony Gallopin (fra) + 0.51
9. Romain Bardet (fra) + 1.00
10. Rui Costa (por) + 1.07
Race report
Despite several early attacks it is only after 14 kms a group of 19 riders is off. Aboard are Bono, Grmay, De Gendt, Wellens, Gautier, Impey, Kiserlovski, Eiking, De la Cruz, Herrada, Kangert, Van Baarle, Felline, Rast, Chavanel, Tankink, Naesen, Sorensen and KOM-leader Duchesne. Trofimov, Vanmarcke and Calmejane bridge the gap after a 20 kms chase.
Both at Côte du Duranus, Côte de Levens, Côte de Chateauneuf and Col de Calaison Duchesne cements his KOM-lead with De Gendt second on all four occasions.
At Cote de Peille Kangert atacks and only Gautier, Wellens, De La Cruz, Herrada and Grmay are able to react. On the lower slopes Contador leaves the pack alone, while his team-mates Kiserlovski and Trofimov are waiting for him. Duchesne, Bono and Tankink hook up. Contador races to a 1 minute lead over Thomas, but just before reaching the foot of Col d’Eze his headstart is gone thanks to a strong team-effort by Sky.
At Col d’Eze De la Cruz attacks along with Wellens and Gautier and a little later Wellens goes solo.
After Majka did put on the afterburners Contador gives it another go with 17 kms left and the only rider able to react is Porte. A little later Thomas is even dropped from the group of chasers, while Contador and Porte join Wellens at the front of the race. When cresting Col d’Eze Thomas is half a minute down. Henao has been waiting for him and together they plunge down. Gallopin hooks up, which comes in handy as he is a good descender.
With 4 kms left Thomas et al catch the first group of chasers and at the Promenade des Anglais he even heads for the front of the race. He doesn’t make it, but neer mind, his brilliant descent proves enough to win Paris-Nice 2016.
Tim Wellens jumps of the front in the dying metres of the race and wins the stage ahead of Alberto Contador and Richie Porte.
Paris – Nice 2016: Route maps, height profiles, and more
Click on the images to zoom
Tim WellensGeraint Thomas
Watch the highlights of recent races here:
Related articles Favourites - Paris - Nice 2016 Overview - Paris-Nice 2016 Ilnur Zakarin takes stage 6, Geraint Thomas new leader - Paris - Nice 2016 Lutsenko solos to victory, Matthews retains overall lead - Paris - Nice 2016 Sprint victory Bouhanni in stage 4, Matthews still in the lead - Paris - Nice 2016 Stage 3 cancelled due to snow - Paris - Nice 2016 Matthews cements lead with victory in stage 2 - Paris - Nice 2016 Démare sprints to victory in thrilling finale, Matthews retains GC lead - Paris - Nice 2016 Michael Matthews takes prologue and yellow jersey - Paris - Nice 2016 Route prologue: Conflans-St.-Honoraire - Conflans-St.-Honoraire - Paris - Nice 2016 Route stage 1: Condé sur Vesgre – Vendôme - Paris - Nice 2016 Route stage 2: Contres – Commentry - Paris - Nice 2016 Route stage 3: Cusset – Mont Brouilly - Paris - Nice 2016 Route stage 4: Juliénas – Romans sur Isère - Paris - Nice 2016 Route stage 5: Saint Paul Trois Châteaux – Salon de Provence - Paris - Nice 2016 Route stage 6: Nice – La Madone d’Utelle - Paris - Nice 2016 More articles Tour de France 2024: The Route
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 1: Florence - Rimini
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 2: Cesenatico - Bologna
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 3: Piacenza - Turin
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 4: Pinerolo - Valloire
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 5: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne - Saint-Vulbas
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 7: Nuits-Saint-Georges - Gevrey-Chambertin
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 8: Semur-en-Auxois - Colombey-les-Deux-Églises
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 9: Troyes - Troyes
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 11: Evaux-les-Bains - Le Lioran
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 12: Aurillac - Villeneuve-sur-Lot
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 14: Pau - Pla d'Adet
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 15: Loudenvielle - Plateau de Beille
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 16: Gruissan - Nîmes
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 17: Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux - Superdévoluy
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 18: Gap - Barcelonnette
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 19: Embrun - Isola 2000
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 20: Nice - Col de la Couillole
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 21: Monaco - Nice
Giro 2024: The Route
Giro 2024 Route stage 1: Turin - Turin
Giro 2024 Route stage 2: San Fransesco al Campo - Oropa
Giro 2024 Route stage 3: Novara - Fossano
Giro 2024 Route stage 4: Acqui Terme - Andora
Giro 2024 Route stage 5: Genoa - Lucca
Giro 2024 Route stage 6: Viareggio - Rapolano Terme
Giro 2024 Route stage 7: Foligno - Perugia
Giro 2024 Route stage 8: Spoleto - Prati di Tivo
Giro 2024 Route stage 9: Naples - Naples
Cycling Calendar 2024
Like our Facebook page and stay on top of all pro-race information!