Paris-Nice
Paris-Nice is a UCI WorldTour stage race held each March in France, running from the outskirts of Paris to the Mediterranean city of Nice. Often referred to as the “Race to the Sun”, the event traditionally marks one of the first major stage races of the European season. First held in 1933, Paris-Nice is known for its varied parcours that combines flat sprint stages, windy transitional days, team or individual time trials and punchy climbs in the hills around Nice.
When was the first edition of Paris-Nice?
The first edition of Paris-Nice was held in 1933. Over time Paris-Nice grew into one of the most important stage races of the spring calendar. Today it is part of the UCI WorldTour and regularly attracts many of the best stage racers in the world.
The inaugural edition was won by Belgian rider Alphonse Schepers.
Why is Paris-Nice called the Race to the Sun?
Paris-Nice is widely known as the “Race to the Sun”. The nickname comes from the route of the race, which traditionally starts near Paris in the colder northern part of France and finishes on the sunny Mediterranean coast in Nice.
How did Paris-Nice come into existence?
Paris-Nice was created in 1933 by the French newspaper Le Petit Journal. The aim was to organise a prestigious early season stage race that would attract strong international participation.
The race quickly gained popularity thanks to its varied terrain and its position on the calendar at the start of the European season.
Over the decades Paris-Nice has become one of the most historic races in professional cycling and is now organised by Amaury Sport Organisation.
Who has won Paris-Nice the most times?
The rider with the most overall victories in Paris-Nice is Irish legend Sean Kelly.
Kelly dominated the race during the 1980s and won the general classification seven times in a row between 1982 and 1988. His combination of climbing ability, sprint speed and tactical intelligence made him almost unbeatable in the race during that period.
Looking for a complete list of winners? Check the full Paris-Nice winners overview.
What makes Paris-Nice unique?
Paris-Nice is known for its unpredictable weather and its highly varied route. Riders often face cold rain and wind in the northern stages before heading towards the milder Mediterranean climate later in the race.
The parcours usually combines sprint stages, time trials and punchy climbs in the hills around Nice. The final stages in southern France often prove decisive for the general classification.
Because of its position early in the season, Paris-Nice is also an important form test for riders preparing for the spring classics and the Grand Tours.
Where is Paris-Nice held?
Paris-Nice takes place in France and traditionally runs from the region around Paris to the city of Nice on the Mediterranean coast.
The race crosses several regions of France and features a wide variety of terrain, including flat northern roads, rolling countryside and the punchy climbs of the Alpes Maritimes near the finish.
What category race is Paris-Nice?
Paris-Nice is part of the UCI WorldTour, the highest level of professional road cycling.
As one of the first major stage races of the European season, it attracts a strong field of teams and riders looking to test their form early in the year.
Which colour is the leader jersey in Paris-Nice?
The leader of Paris-Nice wears the yellow jersey. Since 2008, Paris Nice has used the same coloured leader jerseys for the different classifications as the Tour de France.
