French Frenzy: Paris-Nice 2024 Promises Speed, Sweat, and Spectacular Scenery
Often considered the first major cycling event of the season in France, the 82nd edition of Paris-Nice has unveiled its exciting route. Taking place from March 3rd to 10th, 2024, the course between Les Mureaux and Nice offers a blend of fresh challenges and familiar traditions.
∘ Paris-Nice 2024: A Mix of New and Classic Challenges Await
∘ A Stage for Speedsters and Climbers Alike
∘ Variety is the Spice of the Course
∘ A Thrilling Climax Awaits in Nice
∘ A Balanced Test for the General Classification Contenders
∘ Mark Your Calendars for Paris-Nice 2024!
∘ Expected cycling teams for Paris-Nice 2024
Paris-Nice 2024: A Mix of New and Classic Challenges Await
A Stage for Speedsters and Climbers Alike
The opening stage promises a thrilling sprint finish, while the following day should cater to the fast men with an arrival in Montargis. A 26.9km team time trial around Auxerre will test cohesion and tactics before the first major climb for the peloton — a grueling ascent to the top of Mont Brouilly.
Variety is the Spice of the Course
The race then heads into the Massif Central, with rolling terrain and punchy climbs characterizing stages 5 and 6. Stage 7 features an individual time trial, allowing riders to showcase their individual prowess against the clock.
A Thrilling Climax Awaits in Nice
The final three stages pack a punch, with the queen stage taking on the iconic Col de la Madeleine before a summit finish on the demanding Chalet de la Loge. The penultimate stage offers another chance for the sprinters to shine, while the closing stage into Nice will be a fitting finale for what promises to be a thrilling race.
A Balanced Test for the General Classification Contenders
With a mix of flat stages, time trials, and challenging climbs, the 2024 Paris-Nice will be a true test for any rider seeking overall victory. The race will demand versatility, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform at the highest level across a variety of terrains.
Mark Your Calendars for Paris-Nice 2024!
So, mark your calendars for March 3rd to 10th, 2024, and get ready to witness the drama unfold as the world’s best cyclists battle it out on the demanding and diverse terrain of Paris-Nice. This edition promises to be a classic, with something for everyone, from the pure speedsters to the determined climbers.
Expected cycling teams for Paris-Nice 2024
While official team announcements haven’t been made yet, we can make some educated guesses about the expected cycling teams for Paris-Nice 2024 based on several factors:
1. Past Participation:
- Top Teams: Most of the WorldTour teams (highest level) are likely to participate, including Ineos Grenadiers, Jumbo-Visma, UAE Team Emirates, Movistar Team, and Team DSM. These teams typically prioritize stage races like Paris-Nice and often field strong contenders for the General Classification (GC).
- Other WorldTour Teams: Teams like Bahrain Victorious, Trek-Segafredo, Bora-Hansgrohe, Groupama-FDJ, and Astana Qazaqstan Team also tend to participate, aiming for stage wins or supporting riders aiming for the GC.
- ProTeams: Some strong ProTeams like TotalEnergies, Alpecin-Deceuninck, and EF Education-EasyPost might participate, offering opportunities for their riders to shine and potentially secure WorldTour invitations.
2. Course Profile:
- Mix of terrain: The 2024 route features sprints, climbs, time trials, and rolling stages, catering to different rider strengths. This opens the door for a wider range of teams to participate and compete for stage wins or supporting roles.
- Team Time Trial: The inclusion of a team time trial favors teams with strong cohesion and tactics, like Ineos Grenadiers, Jumbo-Visma, and Bora-Hansgrohe.
3. Rider Availability:
- GC Contenders: Teams with riders targeting the GC in Grand Tours like the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France might use Paris-Nice as a key preparation race. This could attract teams like UAE Team Emirates (with Tadej Pogačar) and Movistar Team (with Miguel Ángel López).
- Spring Classics Specialists: Teams with riders focused on spring classics like Milan-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders might use Paris-Nice to build form. This could see teams like Deceuninck-Quick-Step and Lotto Soudal participate.
4. Wildcards:
- Organizer’s Invitations: The race organizers typically invite two ProTeams as wildcards. These invitations could go to teams like Arkéa-Samsic or Cofidis, who might see Paris-Nice as a chance for their riders to gain WorldTour attention.
