The 2024 edition of Paris-Nice begins with a tricky stage.
Like every year, the organizers have planned a difficult first meeting for the cyclists in the peloton.
On the program for this opening day is the 81st race which links the capital to the Riviera town, a loop around the town of Mureaux, 157.7 km long.
This will be littered with 3rd category ribs.
The first difficulty overcome in this Paris-Nice will be the Bazemont hill (1.7 km at 6.6%).
Then follow the Côtes d'Herbeville (2.6 km at 5.1%), which includes a very steep passage at 14%, and a second passage at the top of the Côte de Bazemont.
These difficulties, however, are quite far from the finish line and should not play a big role in the final packaging.
Stage 1 🚩 @Les_Mureaux - @Les_Mureaux 🏁 157.7 km
💪 A tricky stage, exposed to the wind, of the great classic at the opening of #ParisNice.
💪 A few hills, exposed roads: already some great opportunities, as usual on stage 1 of #ParisNice.
pic.twitter.com/8XWrt8X3et
— Paris-Nice (@ParisNice) December 12, 2023
Unlike the last difficulty of the day.
Placed after the intermediate sprint at Montainville, the second passage at the top of the Côte d'Herbeville, 12 km from the line, could trap sprinters who have difficulty in the bumps.
The finish line will also be difficult to understand with a false flat going up one km.
🔍 The 1st stage of #ParisNice has a loop in @Les_Yvelines which should see a sprinter win in the final at Les Mureaux.
🔍 The 1st stage of #ParisNice will be a loop through the Yvelines department, which should see a sprinter win the final.
pic.twitter.com/zDzlguaUOR
— Paris-Nice (@ParisNice) February 8, 2024
A hilly first stage which could benefit sprinters who are also punchers, like the Australian from Jayco Alula Michael Matthews, the French rider from Cofidis Bryan Coquard, or the Dane from Lidl Trek, Mads Pedersen, in great form on this start of the season.
Adventurers could also do well in this difficult loop in the Yvelines, like the Belgian from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, Oliver Naesen.