Both the start and finish are in Mantes-la-Ville. The first part of the race goes either up or down at shallow gradients, while the Côte de Vétheuil (1.8 kilometres at 5.2%) and Côte de la route de Crêtes (1.5 kilometres at 5.7%) stand out.
The second half the race is more even, although the last 30 kilometres are again somewhat more lumpy. This phase begins with the Côte de Breuil-Bois-Robert (1.2 kilometres at 6%), a climb that will return in the finale, as the 1st stage finishes on a local circuit.
The riders cross the line for the first time with 17.6 kilometres remaining before the Côte de Breuil-Bois-Robert reappears with 6.9 kilometres left. After reaching the summit the riders plunge down to the flat run-in to the line.
Last year’s 1st stage had a similar profile, although the last hill was situated further from the line. The pack remained bunched and Sam Bennett sprinted to victory.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the intermediate sprints – at kilometre 129.9 and at kilometre 144.7 – come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 1.
Another interesting read: results 1st stage 2022 Paris-Nice.
Paris-Nice 2022 stage 1: route, profiles, more
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