Tadej Pogacar showed that “attack is the best form of defence” as he swept aside his rivals with a devastating late charge to clinch victory in the 81st edition of Paris-Nice by winning the final stage.
The the UAE Team Emirates rider was in total control in the hills overlooking Nice, launching a stunning attack on the final climb. By the time he hit the Promenade des Anglais, leading towards the finish line, he was able to begin his celebrations.
France’s David Gaudu of Groupama-FDJ – who went to chase Pogacar but eventually fell back – finished second overall, 53 seconds adrift, with the Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma third.
Pogacar’s triumph was all but secured on Saturday when he won stage seven atop the Col de la Couillole, the highest summit of the race, to extend his overall lead to 12 seconds.
“I always feel I’m good in the first races,” Pogacar said. “It was always my dream to win Paris-Nice. The fact I did it is incredible.
“They say attack is the best defence. I really know these roads. I’ve done a lot of training here. I knew exactly how my legs were on the final climb and how much [energy] I could spend to get to the top.”
The Slovenian also took home the yellow, green and white, while the polka-dot belonged to Jonas Gregaard of Uno X.
“I had good maths today, I calculated it great!” said Pogacar. “If I don’t win anything until the end of the season it’s still not bad so I can be more relaxed.”
