Luis Leon SANCHEZ© A.S.O. / Jean-Christophe MOREAU
In 2006, Luis Leon Sanchez made his first appearance on Paris-Nice, finishing the race with the best young rider’s white jersey on his shoulders. Three years later, the most promising Spanish rider of his generation hasn’t gained a superficial ounce (1,87 m, 74 kg): he has however gained in thickness and maturity. During a week of racing that can be considered as one of the most intense in the history of the event, Sanchez managed to make the best of his outsider’s position and hit hard at the best moment to capture the yellow jersey, long promised to Contador. A perfect timing.
Despite a very flashy red and yellow outfit, the Spanish time-trial champion remained discreet during the first stage. Contador’s master-piece left Sanchez in the shadow despite a third spot at 9''. Within shooting distance, he remained one of the last contradictors of the designated favourite going up the Montagne de Lure. He really seized his chance on the way to Fayence where he proved his unofficial status as the best downhiller of the pack. His stage success, the third on the event, also gave him the yellow jersey and the responsibilities that go with it. The final stage was that of all dangers, but well surrounded by his team, Luis remained cold blooded and kept control of the situation. The demonstration was worthy of a real boss.
Seven years after Sandy Casar and Laurent Jalabert, then 2nd and 3rd, a French rider finished the Paris-Nice week on the podium of the GC. But the “final score” of Sylvain Chavanel only partly reflects the performance of the new Quick Step leader who started by winning the stage to Vichy. The yellow jersey thus conquered was valorously defended during two days. Then Chavanel corrected his reputation as a poor climber by remaining on the podium after the stage of the Montagne de Lure. His consistency impressed despite a fall that cost him his second spot but he remained on top with as a bonus the green jersey. The French contingent’s roll of honour was completed by Jeremy Roy, winner of his first ever professional race at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, and by Jonathan Hivert, 8th of the GC and second best young rider of the event. Talents to keep an eye on.
Winner of the three major cycling Tours on the calendar, Alberto Contador again proved what a great champion he was on Paris-Nice. He immediately impressed in the role of the best time-trial rider of the pack on the stage set around Amilly. An intrepid and aerial climber, he hit hard where he was expected, on the toughest of stages, by dropping his main rivals on the steepest portions heading to the top of the Montagne de Lure. Paradoxically, the setback that made him lose two minutes and the yellow jersey in the last four kilometres of the stage to Fayence reveals another side to the champion. The one that many could imagine proud and conquering became a real showman on the final stage, attacking in vain on the Esterel Corniche. For the beauty of his performance, his fourth position remains magnificent.