The atypical team time trial in Paris-Nice has not disappointed in any way. Jumbo-Visma lived up to its favorite role, but the loot is (perhaps) not as big as they had hoped. The yellow shirts were a bit faster than EF-EasyPost, Tadej Pogacar gave up 23 seconds and now follows 11″ from the Dane in the standings. The differences were therefore quite limited. The yellow jersey now belongs to Magnus Cort, who Nathan Van Hooydonck did not allow dessert.
Early in the game, Jayco AlUla set a first target time. The Australian team was by far the fastest at the intermediate point and the finish. 33’59” was their finishing time.
Jumbo-Visma was designated as the big favorite in advance and it fulfilled that role. At the intermediate point it only did 1 second better than Jayco, at the line that bonus was extended to 4 seconds. That seemed sufficient for the stage victory at the time.
In this way, leader Jonas Vingegaard jumps over rival Tadej Pogacar in the standings.
UAE and Pogacar still rode a strong time trial. The Slovenian came in alone and limited the damage after a fantastic final sprint.
He is 11 seconds behind Vingegaard in the standings (after he had already collected 12 bonus counts in the past few days).
Minimal differences
We almost got a big surprise.
EF-EasyPost was still 5th at the intermediate point, 10 seconds behind Jumbo-Visma. In the 2nd part, however, it was fantastically on track, the American team stranded just 1 second from the victory. Jumbo-Visma breathed a sigh of relief.
Consolation prize for EF: Magnus Cort is the new leader in Paris-Nice. The Dane is 1 second ahead of Nathan Van Hooydonck in the standings.
Tomorrow there is a mountain ride on the program. Then we normally get a first duel between Vingegaard and Pogacar.
Reactions after stage 3 Paris-Nice:
Jonas Vingegaard was of course satisfied after winning the day with his team: “It is fantastic to be able to go on the road with so many strong men in a team time trial.”
“Of course we had hoped to take a bigger lead on Pogacar. But every second counts in this race, so I’m happy,” concluded Vingegaard.
“We could do better, but I’m satisfied,” was the answer from Tadej Pogacar. “We gave the maximum.”
“You could see that Tim (Wellens) was still tired after the Strade Bianche and we only got our bikes a few days ago, but in the end we did well.”
Pogacar now has to erase seconds from the background. “We’re in the perfect position.”
“We can now drive relaxed, although I am also under pressure on the other hand. But I still prefer this situation.”
Also yellow jersey Magnus Cort had mixed feelings after the time trial: “We dreamed of victory and had made it a goal. I am of course satisfied with the yellow jersey and will try to defend it tomorrow. Although it will not be easy.”
Magnus Cort Nielsen: “It will be difficult to keep yellow”
Jonas Vingegaard: “Grateful for the team around me”
EF is 1 second short of victory
View the arrival of Jumbo-Visma here
