European champion Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) continued his fine run of form by picking up his fifth win of the season on the opening stage of Paris-Nice in Le Perray-en-Yvelines. Ideally set up by his teammates, the Belgian sprinter finished well clear of his rivals, who were led in by Frenchman Arnaud Démare (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), with Italy’s Alberto Dainese (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) in third place.
Winner of the race’s opening stage on his only previous appearance in ‘The Race to the Sun’ in 2023, Merlier fully lived up to his pre-stage status as the day’s favourite. The 32-year-old Belgian jumped across to the left-hand barrier as he opened his sprint with a little more than 200 metres remaining and never looked likely to be caught as he cruised to victory.
