Roglic Poised for Paris-nice Victory after Dominant Turini Climb
Slovenian cycling star Primoz Roglic is on the verge of securing victory at Paris-Nice, following a commanding performance on the penultimate stage. The Jumbo-Visma leader triumphed at the summit of the Col du Turini, solidifying his position at the top of the general classification. This victory marks Roglic’s first of the season and extends his lead over second-placed Simon Yates (BikeExchange) to a meaningful 47 seconds.
Roglic’s victory echoes his 2021 triumph on the onyl summit finish of the race. While he didn’t push for a larger margin this time, his dominance was undeniable. Colombian Daniel Martinez (Ineos) trails Roglic by a minute, while Nairo Quintana (Arkéa-Samsic) and Joao Almeida (UAE Emirates) finished just seconds behind after a valiant effort to keep pace on the grueling ascent.
The challenging climb of the Turini, the longest faced by the peloton this early in the season (14.9 km at 7.3%), reshaped the race hierarchy. Notably, Pierre Latour (TotalEnergies) faltered 7 km from the summit, dropping from third to eighth place overall.
Roglic, mindful of last year’s disappointment when he suffered two crashes on the final day, expressed satisfaction with his performance but remained cautious.”I felt strong,” he stated, acknowledging the need to avoid complacency ahead of the final stage.
Sunday’s concluding stage promises to be a thrilling spectacle. the 115.6 km route, featuring five climbs and descents through the Nice hinterland, resembles a roller coaster.The final ascent, the Col d’Èze, is located just 15 km from the finish line on the iconic Promenade des Anglais.
Roglic, familiar with the terrain from his training rides, anticipates a challenging day. “The weather forecast predicts rain,” he noted, “so I’ll adapt accordingly.”
the peloton, already depleted by illness in recent days, suffered further setbacks on Saturday. Adding to the drama, Luxembourg champion Kevin Geniets (Groupama FDJ) was knocked down by a wind-blown advertising board in the starting area, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the race.
With a commanding lead and a wealth of experience, Roglic appears poised to claim victory at Paris-Nice, potentially becoming the first Slovenian rider to achieve this feat in the race’s 80-year history.
Cycling insider: Roger Hammond on Roglic’s dominant Ride in paris-Nice
Welcome back to Cycling Insider! Today we’re breaking down Primoz Roglic’s remarkable performance in Paris-Nice, and who better to help us dissect the action than former pro cyclist and current commentator, Roger Hammond. Roger, thanks for joining me.
Roger Hammond: Thanks for having me. it was certainly a thrilling stage to watch!
Let’s jump right in. Roglic seemed unstoppable on the Col du Turini. What are your thoughts on his performance?
RH: Well, it was vintage Roglic, wasn’t it? Dominant on the climb, controlled in his approach. He didn’t need to make a big statement, just enough to solidify his lead and put some distance between himself and the rivals like Yates. That’s what experience does for you, knowing exactly what you need to do to win. It’s clear he’s back in top form.
That performance between Roglic and Yates brought back memories of their epic battles in 2020 and 2021 at Paris-Nice. Do you see them going head-to-head again in the coming stages?
RH: Well, Yates is still a long way back, but he’s a tenacious rider. He won’t give up without a fight. I think Sunday’s stage will be crucial. There are five climbs, including the Col d’Èze just before the finish. It’s going to be a tough haul, and if Yates can somehow force a mistake from Roglic, things could get captivating.
Speaking of the final stage, it sounds like the weather might add another dimension to the race.Roglic mentioned the rain. How might that impact the racing?
RH: Rain can be a real game-changer, especially in the final stage. It could make the descents more treacherous, and anyone caught out of position could see their chances evaporate. Roglic and his jumbo-Visma team will want to stay close to the front and avoid any unneeded risks.
The Col du Turini saw a shakeup in the standings wiht Latour dropping substantially. What went wrong for him?
RH:
It seems like he just ran out of steam towards the top. The Turini is a brutal climb, and Latour might have burned too many matches early on.
Despite the drama, Roglic appears poised to become the first slovenian rider to win Paris-Nice. Does he have any weaknesses you see coming into the final stage?
RH: I wouldn’t call them weaknesses, but there are always unforeseen circumstances that can occur in cycling. A mechanical issue, a crash, even a sudden illness can throw everything off. While Roglic is riding incredibly strong right now, he knows nothing is guaranteed until he crosses the finish line on Sunday.
That’s a great point. Roger, thanks for sharing your insights. What a race we’re seeing unfold! What are your predictions for tomorrow?
RH: I expect Roglic to hold on and take the win. He’s played his cards perfectly so far. But Yates is no pushover, and some unpredictable weather might just spice things up. It all sets up for a thrilling conclusion to Paris-Nice.
We can’t wait! Readers, what are your predictions for the final stage? Let us know in the comments below!
