ISOLA VILLAGE, France – In a day defined by treacherous conditions and a drastically shortened course, French champion Dorian Godon of Ineos Grenadiers claimed victory in Stage 7 of Paris-Nice on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The stage, originally slated to finish at the Auron ski resort, was severely impacted by heavy rain and snowfall, forcing organizers to shorten the route to just 47 kilometers, starting from Plan-du-Var.
Godon, riding a strong finish, out-sprinted Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) and Cees Bol (Decathlon CMA CGM) to take the win. The chaotic stage saw numerous crashes and a relentless pace as riders battled both the elements and each other. This marks the second stage win for Ineos Grenadiers at this year’s Paris-Nice, following their team time trial victory on Stage 3.
A Stage Radically Altered by the Elements
The original 138km stage was rendered nearly impossible due to the severe weather. The decision to shorten the course came after a morning reduction from 120km to 47km as wind and rain battered the route. The altered course was primarily uphill, albeit gently, leading to a sprint finish in Isola Village. The conditions were so challenging that a lone breakaway attempt by Tim Marsman (Alpecin-Premier Tech) proved futile, with the peloton reabsorbing him after just over an hour of racing.
The Ineos Grenadiers team played a crucial role in setting up Godon for the sprint, controlling the pace and delivering him to the front in the final meters. According to Godon himself, the team’s work was exceptional. “I want to win even more now – it’s in process,” he said, reflecting on the momentum gained from this victory.
Godon’s First Win Since Joining Ineos Grenadiers
This win is particularly significant for Godon as it’s his first victory since joining the Ineos Grenadiers earlier this year. The team’s support was instrumental in securing the win, with Kevin Vauquelin leading out the sprint and ensuring Godon had the space he needed to launch his attack. Vauquelin’s efforts were described by Godon as a significant sacrifice, and Godon pledged to return the favor on Sunday’s stage, focusing on supporting Vauquelin’s bid for a podium finish.
“Kévin Vauquelin sacrificed himself for me today, tomorrow I will be at his service 300% to attempt to gain on the podium,” Godon stated, highlighting the team’s commitment to overall success.
Vingegaard Maintains Overall Lead
While Godon celebrated his stage win, the general classification standings remain largely unchanged. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) continues to lead the race with a 3 minute and 22 second advantage over his nearest competitor, Daniel Felipe Martinez of Colombia. Vingegaard’s strong performance throughout the week has positioned him as the clear favorite heading into the final stage.
The race saw action earlier in the day with Josh Tarling (Ineos Grenadiers) initiating a breakaway with three other riders. Tarling’s efforts earned him the combativity award, recognizing his aggressive riding style. Later, attacks from Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Victorious), Jonas Vingegaard, and Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal Quick-Step) further animated the race before Harold Tejada (XDS Astana Team) launched a late solo effort that nearly secured him back-to-back stage wins, ultimately finishing second on Stage 6.
“I Was Just on the Sofa” – Godon Reflects on the Team Effort
Godon’s post-race comments offered a glimpse into the team’s strategy and his own experience during the stage. “I didn’t think I would ever win a mountain stage at Paris-Nice,” he joked. “We stayed super focused waiting for the decisions [from the organization], we were ready to race, all very motivated. Everyone did a crazy train, I was like on the sofa, ready to do 200m full gas. The guys did an incredible job, thank you to them.”
The quote encapsulates the level of teamwork and support that propelled Godon to victory. The Ineos Grenadiers’ ability to adapt to the changing conditions and execute their plan flawlessly proved decisive on a day where resilience and collaboration were paramount.
The challenging weather conditions and shortened stage created a unique and unpredictable race, ultimately rewarding the Ineos Grenadiers’ strategic approach and Godon’s powerful sprint. The final stage on Sunday will determine the overall winner of Paris-Nice, but Godon’s victory has undoubtedly injected a latest level of excitement into the race.
The final stage of Paris-Nice, scheduled for Sunday, March 15th, will witness riders complete a course to determine the overall champion. Fans can follow live updates and results on the official Paris-Nice website and through various sports news outlets. The race concludes in Nice, France.
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