Michael Storer (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) defied the wintry conditions to take a fine solo victory on the penultimate stage of Paris-Nice, a success that moved the Australian up to fourth place in the general classification. Part of what had been a 15-rider breakaway that formed very quickly after the start of the weather-shortened stage, Storer made his winning move with 2.7km remaining, going clear of Mauro Schmid (Jayco-AlUla), and secured his first WorldTour success since he won two stages of the Vuelta a España four years ago.
The yellow jersey of race leader is still held by Matteo Jorgensen (Visma | Lease a Bike), who will go into the final day 37 seconds ahead of his closest rival Fabian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe). Wearing the white jersey of best young rider, the German gained three seconds on the American rider on the final run-up to the line. Mattias Skjelmose, who had been third overall, abandoned the race after crashing heavily on his right side.
