Paris-Nice 2023 Route stage 2: Bazainville - Fontainebleau

Monday 6 March - At 163.7 kilometres, the 2nd stage travels from Bazainville to Fontainebleau. Paris-Nice is known for its crosswinds and day two could deliver just that - full echelon action on the flat and exposed roads of northern France.

The parcours is virtually flat. Two sprints for KOM points are on the cards, but you can hardly call these hurdles climbs. Hills at best - approximately 1 kilometre long and with average gradients below 4.5%.

The finishing venue is famous for its Palace of Fontainebleau, where in times long gone dozens French monarchs were born and have lived and died. And, talking about times long gone, a Tour de France stage of 359 kilometres finished in 1967 in Fontainebleau. It was the edition in which Tom Simpson died on the Mont Ventoux. Nine days later Paul Lemeteyer won the stage to Fontainebleau.

The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the intermediate sprint comes with 6, 4 and 2 seconds.

Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 2 Paris-Nice 2023.

Another interesting read: results 2nd stage 2023 Paris-Nice.