Paris-Nice is traditionally seen as the first important stage race of the season. In the past, everything prior to this event would have been accused of being a training race or a gentle introduction to the rhythm of competition. But nowadays there’s no such thing. A rider can’t turn up to any race expecting a controlled first half with a bit of racing towards the end, mainly involving the poor souls who been training extensively through the bleak winter for the Classics.
A ten-day training camp and a few too many kilos might have been acceptable back then, but that largesse doesn’t cut it nowadays and everyone has to turn up ready for action. If you’re not, then you won’t even be considered for the big test that is Paris-Nice. So when any rider makes the selection we can assume that their squad thinks they have something to offer on the journey down to the Cote d’Azur.
