{"id":524950,"date":"2026-03-09T17:19:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T17:19:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/524950\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T17:19:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T17:19:22","slug":"as-it-happened-late-attack-brought-back-for-another-sprint-finish-at-stage-two-of-paris-nice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/524950\/","title":{"rendered":"As it happened: Late attack brought back for another sprint finish at stage two of Paris-Nice"},"content":{"rendered":"

Refresh <\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:48:25.089Z<\/p>\n

Thanks for joining us today! We\u2019ll be back again for the team time trial, the first real GC contest of the race, and a chance for those with the strongest teams (here\u2019s looking at you, Visma-Lease a Bike) to really lay down a marker and gain some time. Be sure to tune in again once more.<\/p>\n

\n

\"MONTARGIS,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:46:10.515Z<\/p>\n

Unsurprisingly, Dan Hoole has been awarded the combativity prize, for his late attack that threatened to upend the whole stage.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:42:23.182Z<\/p>\n

Casper Pedersen will again ride in the polka-dot jersey tomorrow, having increased his lead today.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Soudal\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:40:48.483Z<\/p>\n

Max Kanter taking his prize for winning the stage on the podium.<\/p>\n

\n

\"XDS\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:39:14.938Z<\/p>\n

That was another disappointing day for Biniam Girmay. Despite all the work his NSN team did throughout the day, he fell out of contention towards the end, and could only manage 42nd at the finish.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:37:17.883Z<\/p>\n

Luke Lamperti is up on the podium, collecting his yellow jersey. He retains his overall lead – but only just. Him and Braet are on the same time after the latter claimed more seconds at the intermediate sprint, but Lamperti leads on countback.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:35:09.903Z<\/p>\n

That\u2019s also a great result for Jasper Stuyven in third, his best since moving to Soudal-QuickStep for the new season. He seems to be approaching great form ahead of the classics, after illness forced him out of Opening Weekend.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:33:02.784Z<\/p>\n

That was also a great sprint from Pithie to take second place Having shown flashes of form Down Under and during Opening Weekend, it looks like the New Zealander is approaching his form of a couple of years ago.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:30:47.455Z<\/p>\n

\n

\"XDS\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:29:08.910Z<\/p>\n

Just like Lamperti yesterday, victory today must surely be the biggest of Max Kanter\u2019s career. While the 28-year-old has been close before, this is his first at World Tour level.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:24:40.338Z<\/p>\n

\n

\"MONTARGIS,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:22:24.153Z<\/p>\n

Lamperti was fifth. While not as impressive as yesterday, that should keep him in the yellow jersey.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:21:54.474Z<\/p>\n

Pithie was second, and Stuyven third.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:21:33.141Z<\/p>\n

Mike Teunissen was the man to lead out Kanter, and delivered the German expertly for the sprint. But Kanter was still left with a lot to do, and showed an impressive sprint to take the victory.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:20:08.982Z
\nMAX KANTER WINS<\/p>\n

And the XDS-Astana rider takes the win!<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:19:14.497Z<\/p>\n

Astana lead the sprint out for Kanter.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:18:49.781Z<\/p>\n

That’s it, the catch is made, shortly after the flamme rouge.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:18:30.551Z
\n1KM TO GO<\/p>\n

Just 4 seconds for Hoole as he rides under the flamme rouge. It looks like he’s going to be caught.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:18:00.666Z<\/p>\n

EF are back at the front of the peloton.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:17:47.247Z<\/p>\n

Hoole is visibly struggling, but still has more than 5 seconds as he nears the final kilometre.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:17:10.953Z<\/p>\n

Hoole has taken advantage of a more technical section of twists and turns, and still has 8 seconds with 2km left to go.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:16:46.872Z<\/p>\n

Red Bull have taken over at the front of the peloton, but they’re more interested in defending GC than bringing Hoole back for the stage.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:15:54.497Z<\/p>\n

10 seconds with 3km left. This is going to come down to the wire.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:15:23.180Z<\/p>\n

The peloton can see Hoole up the road on a long, straight section, but he remains tantalising out of reach, still 16 seconds ahead with 4km left to ride.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:14:02.282Z
\n5KM TO GO<\/p>\n

\n

\"MONTARGIS,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Hoole is really digging deep, and it’s not over for him yet. In fact his lead has grown out a bit again, to 20 seconds.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:11:50.639Z<\/p>\n

Hoole is struggling now. 7km from the finish, his lead has been cut to 13 seconds.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:11:23.389Z<\/p>\n

Here comes EF Education-EasyPost at the front of the peloton, for the first time in a while.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:10:54.443Z<\/p>\n

The three Alpecin riders who were involved in the crash have just made their way back into the peloton incidentally.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:10:19.540Z<\/p>\n

Hoole\u2019s looking over his shoulder and can see the peloton bearing down on him. With 8km left, they\u2019re 20 seconds behind.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:09:09.286Z<\/p>\n

For the first time in a while, the peloton is starting to make inroads. The gap\u2019s fallen a bit, to 22 seconds with 9km left.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:08:38.025Z<\/p>\n

Here’s Hoole, who is fully committed to this attack.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Decathlon\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:07:37.566Z
\n10KM TO GO<\/p>\n

Just 10km left, and Hoole leads by 25 seconds. This is very much on for the Dutchman.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:05:30.478Z<\/p>\n

Movistar now have a line of three riders leading the chase, taking over from NSN.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:05:01.724Z<\/p>\n

Still the gap grows – it’s now up to 27 seconds!<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:03:02.040Z<\/p>\n

Meanwhile Hoole’s lead is growing again, now up to 22 seconds. With just 14km left to catch him, this could become dangerous…<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T16:02:09.695Z<\/p>\n

A crash in the peloton. Alpecin are the main team affected, with three riders held up.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:59:15.989Z<\/p>\n

Still Hoole’s lead grows. It’s up to 16 seconds now, with 17km left to ride.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:58:34.934Z<\/p>\n

Now Movistar are assisting NSN with the pace-setting. Their man Orluis Aular was third-place yesterday.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:57:44.211Z<\/p>\n

NSN have taken up the chase in the peloton. Hoole’s lead is still growing for now, up to 11 seconds.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:56:09.394Z
\n20KM TO GO<\/p>\n

Hoole is 8 seconds up. As a powerful time trial specialist, it will require effort to bring him back.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:54:57.151Z<\/p>\n

That\u2019s woken the peloton up. They\u2019re now having to chase again.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:54:23.391Z<\/p>\n

We have an attack! Daan Hoole was gone off the front.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:53:58.854Z<\/p>\n

Mechanical for Rune Herregodts. The pace is so slow that he’ll be able to rejoin without much effort.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:53:09.714Z<\/p>\n

\n

\"MONTARGIS,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:47:17.388Z<\/p>\n

Sandy Dujardin has had a brief looking-to at the doctors car, and looks good to continue. It seems all of those involved in the crash are now back in the peloton.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:45:06.925Z<\/p>\n

The peloton, all bunched together.<\/p>\n

\n

\"MONTARGIS,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:42:40.247Z
\n30KM TO GO<\/p>\n

Still no team wants to take control of the peloton. We await the lead-outs beginning in earnest.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:41:02.670Z<\/p>\n

Bahaus is making his way through the convoy, and is looking OK again.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:40:39.573Z<\/p>\n

The pace is still slow in the peloton, so the fallers who aren\u2019t too hurt should be able to return to it.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:39:58.271Z<\/p>\n

Marijn van den Berg was also involved, and is making his way back to the peloton. EF Education-EasyPost will hope he’s not too hurt, as his lead-out yesterday was crucial to guiding Lampreti to victory.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:37:49.245Z<\/p>\n

They’re back up, but Bauhaus looks hurt. He’s changed bikes and has set off again, but gingerly.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:37:05.765Z
\nCRASH<\/p>\n

There’s been an incident in the peloton, with several fallers. Sprinters Phil Bauhaus and Cees Bol are among the victims.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:35:56.411Z<\/p>\n

Decathlon briefly upped the pace going into a sharp corner, but relented once they got round, and the pace has been knocked off once more.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:35:05.462Z<\/p>\n

Another man with a great shout today is Phil Bauhaus. Whereas yesterday he was dumped out of contention on the climbs, this time he\u2019s safely in the peloton, and should be fresher having not gone for the intermediate sprint. At his best, he\u2019s one of the quickest finishers in this field.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:31:42.449Z<\/p>\n

One team to look out for today is Cofidis, whether they sprint with Coquard or Fretin. The latter would seem to be the most likely candidate, having finished fourth yesterday, and could have the advantage of benefiting from an elite leadout from Coquard.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:26:50.434Z
\n40KM TO GO<\/p>\n

Teams like NSN and Jayco are up towards the front of the peloton, but nobody is prepared to up the pace this far out from the finish. This could be a slow, tense game of brinkmanship between the sprinter teams.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:22:08.209Z<\/p>\n

Hold on a minute – actually it\u2019s been announced that Ayuso pipped Lamperti at the line to take second place, meaning he takes four seconds, while Lampoerti only takes two.<\/p>\n

That means that, as things stand, Lamperti and Braet are level at the top of the GC. And all Braet needs to do now to take yellow is finish ahead of the American (providing the both finish in the peloton).<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:20:23.757Z<\/p>\n

Now that the sprint is done, the pace has again been knocked off, and the peloton is ambling their way along the road.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:19:48.156Z<\/p>\n

Ayuso did indeed take third place in the sprint, meaning he gains another two seconds in his GC bid.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:17:54.243Z<\/p>\n

That means Braet has cut his deficit to Lamperti to just two seconds. If he can take more bonuses at the finish, and finish ahead of Lamperti, then the yellow jersey will be his! This could turn out to be some manoeuvre by Lotto.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:16:50.010Z<\/p>\n

Braet takes it, just ahead of Lamperti. And it looks like Ayuso might have taken third.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:16:25.100Z<\/p>\n

Juan Ayuso is also getting involved.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:16:13.982Z<\/p>\n

Braet’s being led out, Lamperti still on his wheel.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:15:54.679Z<\/p>\n

Lotto have again taken control at the front, and Lamperti is alert to it. He’s sticking to Braet’s wheel.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:15:33.197Z<\/p>\n

The pace has increased again as the near the sprint.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:14:17.492Z<\/p>\n

Over in Italy, the opening stage of Tirreno-Adriatico has finished. Have a read of our lowdown of what happened here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:11:51.888Z
\n50KM TO GO<\/p>\n

The pace is completely off in the peloton. No team wants to be responsible for taking control of it before we get closer to the intermediate sprint.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:08:47.563Z<\/p>\n

\n

\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:06:02.591Z<\/p>\n

Things are very relaxed for now. Riders at the back are enjoying casual conversations with each other.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:05:26.261Z<\/p>\n

The sprint is still 8km away. Surely Braet is going to go for it, but will Lamperti go hard also in defence of his yellow jersey, or reserve his energy for the final sprint at the finish?<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:03:48.522Z<\/p>\n

Since the catch was made, the pace is back down in the peloton. Lotto don\u2019t want to burn all their matches before the actual lead-out for the intermediate sprint, and so no team is pushing on for now.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T15:03:00.501Z<\/p>\n

Pedersen\u2019s day out in front might be over, but he has at least secured the polka-dot jersey for another stage.<\/p>\n

\n

\"MONTARGIS,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:57:05.793Z<\/p>\n

That’s it, the break has been caught.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:56:50.344Z<\/p>\n

There are 6, 4 and points available for the first three riders over the line at the intermediate sprint – that surely is why Lotto have been working.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:55:59.136Z
\n60KM TO GO<\/p>\n

And now just 6 seconds for the 2 leaders, who appear to have given up the ghost.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:54:24.444Z<\/p>\n

Just 10 seconds now. They’re going to catch them.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:52:22.319Z<\/p>\n

Lotto\u2019s work has brought the two leaders back to within just 20 seconds. If they catch them, then the maximum bonus second will be available to them at the intermediate sprint.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:51:41.262Z<\/p>\n

It could be that Lotto have their eye on an intermediate sprint coming up in about 10km With Braet currently lying in second overall just 4 seconds behind Lamperti, and more bonus seconds unavailable on the line at the finish, the Belgian has a chance to get himself into the yellow jersey today.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:50:05.968Z<\/p>\n

Lotto Intermarch\u00e9 haven\u2019t just lent a man to take part in the pace-setting, but have a whole long line of riders leading at the front. It\u2019s a committed move – but what for?<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:48:29.908Z<\/p>\n

\n

\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:45:18.695Z
\n70KM TO GO<\/p>\n

Lotto’s work is eating into the break’s lead. It’s now down to about 40 seconds.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:43:28.748Z<\/p>\n

Here are the final KOM rankings of the day:<\/p>\n

1 Pedersen 18 points<\/p>\n

2 Le Berre 14 points<\/p>\n

3 Walker 3 points<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:42:29.672Z<\/p>\n

Pedersen was back with his team car, seemingly discussing what the plan was now now that all of the available KOM points have been swept up. By the looks of things, he\u2019s going to keep working with Le Berre, rather than sitting up.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:40:19.285Z<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a change in the peloton, as Lotto lead up the climb. They must fancy the chances of Braet at the finale today.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:39:16.034Z
\nKOM – C\u00d4TE DU PRESSOIR <\/p>\n

Pedersen outsprints Le Berre easily for the points as they go over the top.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:38:30.904Z<\/p>\n

Le Berre is leading with Pedersen on his wheel as they approach the top.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:38:08.788Z<\/p>\n

Having spent so long riding for this, the pair are relishing this battle. Both are looking at each other and engaging in gamesmanship.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:37:19.233Z<\/p>\n

The leaders are climbing for the final time today, up the C\u00f4te du Pressoir. Can this be the one that Le Berre at last gets the better of Pedersen?<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:36:01.489Z<\/p>\n

After fishing runner-up yesterday, Vito Braet must be considered a favorite for the win. The Belgian is without a win of any kind during his professional career, but he\u2019s long overdue, and that result suggests he\u2019s capable of doing so today.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:30:40.586Z
\n80KM TO GO<\/p>\n

The gap is no longer falling, but holding steady again, at about 1:35.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:26:20.786Z<\/p>\n

Notable by their absence at the front, having done so much work yesterday, are Picnic-PostNL. Their sprinter Casper van Uden was dropped out of contention on the final climb, and therefore unable to sprint despite having his teammates ride at the front of the peloton for much of the day. He cited illness as a reason for not being in top shape, but if he can recover more today he\u2019ll be a contender.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:23:08.201Z<\/p>\n

It’s still only NSN and EF Education-EasyPost who are doing any pace-setting at the front of the peloton. Given how open yeterday’s finish was, however, we can imagine there will be a lot of riders with a chance of winning.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:21:01.238Z<\/p>\n

Pedersen and Le Berre, soldiering on with their (surely doomed) breakaway.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Soudal\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:19:56.736Z<\/p>\n

Mechanical for Nils Politt, who looks calm and has swapped bikes. No need to panic at this early, relaxed phase of the stage.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:17:15.818Z
\n90KM TO GO<\/p>\n

For the first time in a while, the peloton have brought back some time on the leaders. The gap’s down to 1:35.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:16:02.952Z<\/p>\n

Jonas Vingegaard is positioned safely in the bunch, and despite not losing any time yesterday was not a happy man at the finish. He criticised the route, which he felt caused undue stress due to too many complications.<\/p>\n

‘Not worthy of a WorldTour race’ \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard makes feelings clear over roads used in stage 1 of Paris-Nice<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"Team\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:07:15.523Z<\/p>\n

The roads are exposed enough today for wind to have been potentially a factor, but with blue skies and only a gentle breeze that has not materialised.<\/p>\n

\n

\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:03:20.838Z
\n100KM TO GO<\/p>\n

There’s another 25km until the third and final climb of the day, the category three C\u00f4te du Pressoir. Maintaining a lead of just under two minutes, the two leaders can be confident of still leading the race by the time they get there – even if the stage win feels very unlikely.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T14:00:22.882Z<\/p>\n

The updated KOM rankings. Pedersen will again wear the polka-dot jersey tomorrow, so long as he successfully finishes today\u2019s stage.<\/p>\n

1 Pedersen 15 points<\/p>\n

2 Le Berre 12 points<\/p>\n

3 Walker 3 points<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:59:00.674Z<\/p>\n

Two minutes later, Guillaume Boivin of NSN lead the peloton over the summit.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:57:20.452Z
\nKOM – C\u00d4TE DE VILLECONIN<\/p>\n

Once again it’s Pedersen who takes the honours at the top of the climb ahead of Le Berre.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:54:30.832Z<\/p>\n

The two leaders are on the climb.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:49:57.032Z<\/p>\n

This one is the C\u00f4te de Villeconin, and it’s another modest affair, lasting just 1km at an average of 6.1%.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:49:14.954Z
\n110KM TO GO<\/p>\n

With the gap still at two minutes, we’re about to have some action between the two brekaway riders as they approach the foot of the second climb of the day.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:41:07.236Z<\/p>\n

Still it’s NSN who lead the peloton. This is a big statement of intent regarding how confident they are in Biniam Girmay’s ability to land them a stage win today.<\/p>\n

\n

\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:34:20.901Z
\n120KM TO GO<\/p>\n

The gap’s come down a little, to two minutes. But the peloton remains relaxed for now.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:30:31.096Z<\/p>\n

Luke Lamperti in the bunch, on a day where he\u2019s seeking to both retain the yellow jersey, and potentially add a second stage win to his success yesterday. That result felt like a major breakthrough in the young American\u2019s career, and proved his potential as a potentially elite sprinter.<\/p>\n

‘A lot of firsts this week’ – US criterium champion Luke Lamperti earns success at Paris-Nice with a WorldTour victory and a debut stint in leader’s jersey<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"MONTARGIS,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:23:18.814Z<\/p>\n

\n

\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:20:09.876Z
\n130KM TO GO<\/p>\n

The race remains in a holding pattern, the leading duo being left out ahead with a lead of 2:20 over the peloton.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:12:57.307Z<\/p>\n

Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! Find out more.<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:08:17.116Z<\/p>\n

Unperturbed by yesterday, when Biniam Girmay was only able to sprint for fifth place, NSN are once again taking the responsibility to ride at the front of the peloton.<\/p>\n

\n

\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:06:22.724Z<\/p>\n

Over at Tirreno-Adriatico, race favourite Isaac del Toro has just finished his ride in the opening stage time trial. You can follow us for all the action here.<\/p>\n

Tirreno-Adriatico stage 1 LIVE – Riders go against the clock in race opener<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:04:44.988Z
\n140KM TO GO<\/p>\n

They might be down to just two riders, but the break’s lead has grown to its highest margin so far, 2:30. The peloton is in no rush to bring them back.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T13:00:11.498Z<\/p>\n

\n

\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:54:45.799Z<\/p>\n

While things remain quiet here for now, have a read of the big news today that the Ineos Grenadiers team are set for a major budget boost having secured a new title sponsor.<\/p>\n

Ineos Grenadiers secure new title sponsor to rebuild super team status, deal worth \u20ac20 million annually<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:51:40.340Z
\n150KM TO GO<\/p>\n

Two minutes is the gap between the peloton and the leaders, whose taks has become even more difficult now they’re down to just two.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:47:02.936Z<\/p>\n

The three riders at the front, that has now become two.<\/p>\n

\n

\"(From\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:44:28.019Z<\/p>\n

It seems that that’s job done for Vercher. He’s sat up and waiting for the peloton to collect him.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:43:55.720Z<\/p>\n

Here are the updated classifications:<\/p>\n

1 Pedersen 12 points<\/p>\n

2 Le Berre 10 points<\/p>\n

3 Walker 3 points<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:43:01.395Z
\nKOM – C\u00d4TE DES MESNULS<\/p>\n

Success once again for Pedersen. He picks up from where he left off yesterday, and takes the points at the top of the climb ahead of Le Berre and Vercher.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:39:46.350Z<\/p>\n

\n

\"MONTARGIS,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:34:48.139Z<\/p>\n

Here are the KOM rankings as things stand. Pedersen was comfortably the strongest yesterday, but Le Berre kept himself in contention, and today has his teammate Vercher to try to help him work over the man in the polka-dot jersey.<\/p>\n

1 Pedersen 9 points<\/p>\n

2 Le Berre 8<\/p>\n

3 Walker 3<\/p>\n

4 Grignard 2<\/p>\n

5 Gamper 2<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:32:59.607Z<\/p>\n

Said climb is the C\u00f4te des Mesnuls, a 1.2km effort averaging 5.5%. Its greatest significance will be staging a resumption of the rivalry between Pedersen and Le Berre in the break, as they fight it out for KOM points.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:31:13.844Z
\n160KM TO GO<\/p>\n

The gap between the three leaders and the peloton continues to hover around two minutes, as they approach the first of the day’s three climbs.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:26:05.380Z<\/p>\n

And here are the three remaining riders, Pedersen, Le Berre and Vercher.<\/p>\n

\n

\"MONTARGIS,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:24:49.956Z<\/p>\n

Here were the four riders together before S\u00fctterlin dropped back.<\/p>\n

\n

\"MONTARGIS,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:23:49.892Z<\/p>\n

At some point, S\u00fctterlin must have thought better of taking part in the day\u2019s break and determined it wasn\u2019t worth the effort.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:22:40.797Z<\/p>\n

Despite having attacked earlier, Jasha S\u00fctterlin is not actually in the break. He’s back in the peloton, leaving just the three riders up the road.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:19:12.159Z
\n170KM TO GO<\/p>\n

The gap’s been allowed to grow to 1:50, and the peloton is keeping it pegged there for now.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:16:04.679Z<\/p>\n

Pleasant skies and nice conditions greet the riders today, further swinging the advantage towards the sprinters.<\/p>\n

\n

\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:09:22.012Z<\/p>\n

That said, yesterday the break came far closer than expected to surviving to the finish, so we can\u2019t rule them out. And that\u2019s a pretty strong quartet, with two of the men who did so well to hold off the peloton for so long yesterday.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:08:05.904Z<\/p>\n

That was an especially complicated process. The unlikelyhood of the break succeeding on such a flat stage is reflected in how little interest there was among the riders in the peloton to get into the break.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:06:14.426Z<\/p>\n

S\u00fctterlin does indeed sit up and wait for Pedersen, Le Berre and Vercher to join him, and the four are 1:45 ahead of the peloton. We have our break of the day.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:05:06.125Z<\/p>\n

The three chasers still have a few seconds to make up on S\u00fctterlin, but it looks like these four riders will form the break of the day.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:03:59.338Z<\/p>\n

The peloton seems to have sat up – they’re already over a minute behind.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:02:19.477Z<\/p>\n

Two of the riders who were in the break yesterday, Casper Pedersen (Soudal Quick-Step) and Mathis Le Berre TotalEnergies), are chasing, along with Le Berre’s teammate Matteo Vercher.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T12:00:37.123Z<\/p>\n

Jasha S\u00fctterlin is the Jayco rider at the front, and he leads the race by a few seconds ahead of three chasers.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T11:59:41.142Z<\/p>\n

The riders at the unofficial start.<\/p>\n

\n

\"American\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T11:56:47.471Z<\/p>\n

A Jayco rider is the first to make a move, and another rider is trying to join him.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T11:55:42.993Z
\nOFFICIAL START<\/p>\n

And they’re off!<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T11:54:27.590Z<\/p>\n

Paris-Nice isn\u2019t the only World Tour racing taking place today – over in Italy Tirreno-Adriatico has gotton under way. We\u2019ve got live coverage of that race, too.<\/p>\n

Tirreno-Adriatico stage 1 LIVE – Riders go against the clock in race opener<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-03-09T11:48:21.743Z<\/p>\n

The riders are gliding through Ach\u00e8res for the unofficial start, and will be racing after about 3.km.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T11:46:48.600Z<\/p>\n

For a reminder of what happened yesterday, here’s our race report.<\/p>\n

Paris-Nice: Luke Lamperti surges at front of bunch sprint to secure signature win on opening stage<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-03-09T11:38:15.608Z<\/p>\n

Yesterday’s stage winner and race leader Luke Lamperti, who will wear the yellow jersey today.<\/p>\n

\n

\"CARRIERES-SOUS-POISSY,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T11:34:09.395Z<\/p>\n

Of course, cycling is rarely as straightforward as it seems on paper, and one factor that could have made this a very different day is strong weather. But conditions appear mild, with the temperature warm and the wind gentle.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T11:32:11.699Z<\/p>\n

In total, there are three categorised climbs today, none of them longer than 1.2km and one of them steeper than 6.6%. The last one is completed with over 70km left of flat roads to ride, which should make this easy to control for the sprinter teams.<\/p>\n

2026-03-09T11:28:44.302Z<\/p>\n

Whereas yesterday\u2019s finale was made complicated by a series of hills, today is a much more straightforward sprinter stage – the most straightforward of this year\u2019s Paris-Nice, in fact.<\/p>\n

2026-03-03T16:27:38.036Z<\/p>\n

Hello and welcome to stage of two of Paris-Nice!<\/p>\n

Please follow our community guidelines<\/a>.” data-join-the-conversation-text=”Join the Conversation”><\/p>\n

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