The French climber was again prominent before the 84th edition of the race came to a conclusion.
Valentin Paret-Peintre made it on the podium on the last day of Paris-Nice, where he received the prize for the most combative rider of the day. It was a well-deserved recognition for the Frenchman, who lit up stage eight by attacking on the first categorized climb – Col de la Porte – and built a gap that allowed him to stay at the front until the last 20 kilometers.
Runner-up in Colombier-le-Vieux and top ten in Apt, the 25-year-old from Annemasse was also Soudal Quick-Step’s top finisher on the general classification of the “Race to the Sun”, which he concluded in 12th place at his first participation. On Sunday, he managed to stay in the lead for 60 kilometers despite a maximum gap of one minute, being brought back by the yellow jersey group only ahead of the final climb.
“My plan was to attack today and give everything. Unfortunately, the bunch was stronger, but at least the form is improving, and this is something from which I take a lot of heart. The week could have gone better for us, but the results and display we had in the last couple of days are good for our confidence ahead of the next races”, Valentin explained after the race.
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