The 78th edition caused a sensation, the German chessman won.
Valdeblore La Colmiane. The 78th edition of the “Race to the Sun”, the long-distance trip from Paris to Nice, was one of the few sporting events on Saturday worldwide.
The German Maximilian Schachmann from the Bora-hansgrohe team defended the yellow jersey on the final leg, which he got after the first stage, 18 seconds ahead of the Belgian Tiesj Benoot and celebrates his greatest career success. Benoot attacked the overall victory again in vain just before the finish.
Best Austrian after seven stages is Felix Großschartner, ninth, 3:39 minutes behind. The teammate of Schachmann loses five positions on the way to the mountain arrival in Valdeblore La Colmiane, the Welser is 13th and three and a half minutes short of the day winner Nairo Quintana. Sebastian Schönberger (+30: 44) is 33rd, followed immediately by Patrick Konrad (+30: 55).
Special praise for Großschartner and Konrad
Christian Pömer, as Sports Director, referred to the importance of the success of the Bora team and Max Schachmann. “Paris-Nice is the most important stage race the team has ever won,” said the Upper Austrian. His colleague Steffen Radochla praised Schachmann’s performance as well as that of Patrick Konrad and Felix Großschartner. “Patrick and Felix did a fantastic job on the last climb today.”
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