Paris - Nice 2023: Pogacar solos to third stage win and GC triumph

foto: Cor VosTadej Pogacar attacks on the Col d'Èze and he solos to a commanding victory. He reaches the Promenade des Anglais in Nice way ahead of the chasers. David Gaudu and Jonas Vingegaard round out the final podium. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 8th stage Paris-Nice 2023

1. Tadej Pogacar (slo)
2. Jonas Vingegaard (den) + 0.33
3. David Gaudu (fra) s.t.
4. Simon Yates (gbr) s.t.
5. Matteo Jorgenson (usa) s.t.
6. Neilson Powless (usa) + 0.43
7. Pavel Sivakov (fra) s.t.
8. Romain Bardet (fra) s.t.
9. Jack Haig (aus) s.t.
10. Gino Mäder (swi) s.t.

Final GC Paris-Nice 2023

1. Tadej Pogacar (slo)
2. David Gaudu (fra) + 0.53
3. Jonas Vingegaard (den) + 1.39
4. Simon Yates (gbr) + 2.14
5. Gino Mäder (swi) + 2.56
6. Neilson Powless (usa) + 3.17
7. Romain Bardet (fra) + 3.19
8. Matteo Jorgenson (usa) s.t.
9. Pavel Sivakov (rus) + 4.05
10. Jack Haig (aus) + 4.56

Race report
KOM leader Jonas Gregaard attacks from the gun with his team mate Alexander Kristoff. The duo quickly opens up a 1 minute gap. Gregaard is on his own on the Côte de Levens and the gap drops below 1 minute, while Wout Poels jumps clear in the peloton to start chasing. This inspires dozens of riders to do the same.

Gregaard takes maximum points at the first KOM before he is joined by 14 men: Hamilton, Narváez, Politt, Küng, Wright, Izagirre, Naesen, Champoussin, Goossens, De la Cruz, Tratnik, Eenkhoorn, Calmejane and Houle. The Dane is also the first rider to crest the Côte de Châteauneuf.

Vauquelin joins the leaders on the Côte de Berre-las-Alpes, while Gregaard seals the KOM victory on the summit. Moments later the GC group rejoins the attackers. Champoussin, Naesen, Hamilton, Tratnik and Küng don’t agree and they go again.

The five tackle the Côte de Peille 40 seconds ahead of the GC group. Poels tracks them down to head out alone. The Dutchman reaches the summit 50 seconds ahead of the peloton.

Pogacar gains a time bonus of 4 seconds in the intermediate sprint, Gaudu takes 2, before the GC group brings back Poels with 28 kilometres remaining.

Pogacar attacks on the Col d’Èze to open a gap of almost 1 minute. He takes it easy in the last part and he wins 33 seconds ahead of Jonas Vingegaard, who outsprints Gaudu on the line.

Another interesting read: route 8th stage Paris-Nice 2023.