Achères, France – The energy was palpable Sunday morning in Achères as the 84th edition of Paris-Nice kicked off, but the excitement wasn’t solely focused on the professional cyclists preparing to race. For many young fans, the day was about something more personal: securing autographs and getting a glimpse of their heroes. The accessibility of the riders at Paris-Nice, a stark contrast to the more tightly controlled environment of the Tour de France, was a major draw for families and aspiring cyclists alike.
Twelve-year-old Augustin was practically bouncing with joy, showing his father a collection of photos and autographs. His successful hunt for signatures from UAE Team Emirates XRG riders – Ivo Oliveira, Marc Soler, and Nils Politt – was the highlight of his morning. “I also have riders from Cofidis and FDJ,” he proudly stated, a budding cyclist himself, licensed with the club in Clamart. “I’m happy, extremely happy,” he confided, demonstrating a knowledge of the sport beyond his years, having woken up early to catch the athletes as they exited the team buses.
“The Advantage Here is You Can Approach the Cyclists”
The sentiment was echoed by eight-year-old Mylan, a young vice-champion of France in mountain biking with a growing list of victories. With the support of his father, Nicolas, Mylan employed a similar strategy. “Last year, we already came for the launch of this race at Le Perray-en-Yvelines,” Nicolas explained. “We took photos of Mylan and now we’re asking the cyclists to sign them.” The pair had strategically positioned themselves near the team buses along Avenue de Stalingrad, hoping to add to their collection before heading to watch the race unfold between Achères and Carrières-sous-Poissy, with plans to be at the start in Épône on Monday.
The unique atmosphere of Paris-Nice, offering a level of proximity to the riders not often found in larger races, was a key factor for many attendees. Aurélien, father to Arthur, 12, and Éliott, 8, appreciated the accessibility. “The advantage here is that it’s less closed off than the Tour de France. You can approach the cyclists,” he said.
A Team Effort: The Autograph Hunt
For a group of eight young fans, all members of the Trinosaure triathlon club from Les Mureaux, the autograph hunt was a full-scale operation. They worked as a team, approaching riders with their cards and papers, eager to collect signatures. Arthur, demonstrating a meticulous approach, made sure to request each rider for their number to avoid any confusion. “We went to Paris Camembert and I was able to get Paul Seixas’s autograph there,” he shared, revealing his dedication to the sport and his ambition to one day join a team like Decathlon CMA CGM.
The excitement built as the Visma team prepared to take the stage for the official presentation, drawing a large crowd. The atmosphere was electric, a testament to the enduring appeal of professional cycling.
“You Can Imagine the Start of Paris-Nice Here, It’s Great!”
Adults were equally captivated, admiring the bikes and soaking in the atmosphere. Three cycling enthusiasts, marveling at the high-end equipment, commented on the cost of the machines – upwards of 15,000 euros – and the opportunity to observe such impressive technology up close. “We arrive here to see beautiful mechanics, just like we would at a car show,” one of them remarked with a smile.
Others, phones in hand, were eager to capture the moment. “You can imagine the start of Paris-Nice here, it’s great! It’s an event for the city. In Achères, we don’t usually get this kind of attention. Here, we see the preparations, the buses, and the official cars. I’m not going to provide up my spot. I won’t move and I’m ready to snap a photo at the start,” exclaimed Michaël, 53, already looking ahead to the possibility of hosting the Tour de France in Achères.
The 2026 Paris-Nice race began on Sunday, March 8th, in Achères, Yvelines, and will conclude on March 15th in Nice. Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates-XRG is leading the team’s hopes in this year’s race, following a strong showing in 2024 where he finished on the podium. [1] The race covers a total of 1,229.9km with 15,926m of climbing. [1]
The accessibility and enthusiastic atmosphere of Paris-Nice continue to make it a beloved event for both seasoned cycling fans and those just discovering the sport, creating a memorable experience for all involved. The race provides a unique opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite riders and experience the excitement of professional cycling up close.
The next stage of Paris-Nice will begin in Épône on Monday, March 9th, promising another day of thrilling competition and opportunities for fans to connect with the riders. Keep up with the latest updates and results on the official Paris-Nice website.
