Paris-Nice is where the big contenders for the Grand Tours gauge their early season form. We take a look at the riders you should be looking out for in the race to the sun.
Follow GCN on YouTube: http://gcn.eu/gcnsubs
As the first European World Tour stage race of the season, Paris-Nice has usually been a place for in-form to rise to the top. This year should be no exception, and as you'd expect, there will be a number of Frenchmen who want to claim victory on home soil.
The sprint battle between John Degenkolb, Brian Coquard and Nacer Bouhanni should prove fascinating in the early stages. Also look out for Vincenzo Nibali, who is using this race as preparation for the Tour de France in July. Don't forget Tom Boonen either - he'll be looking to maintain his excellent form ahead of the imminent Spring Classics.
Who's your tip to win? Let us know in the comments section.
Photos: © Bettiniphoto / http://www.bettiniphoto.net/ & ©Tim De Waele / http://www.tdwsport.com
Music: Channel Swimmer - Morning Walk
About GCN:
The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic summit of the Stelvio to the epic trails of Fort William, Scotland, everywhere there is pavé or dirt, world-class racing, and pro riders, we will be there bringing you all the action, essential analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year.
Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling
Youtube Channel - http://gcn.eu/gcnYT
Facebook - http://gcn.eu/gcnFb
Google+ - http://gcn.eu/gcnGPlus
Twitter - http://gcn.eu/gcnTW
Leave us a comment below!
Music - licensed by Cue Songs
Latest Videos
Cyclists are known for their lean physiques. To some outsiders, they might appear "skinny" and "weak", and while we know that this isn’t the case, Dan & Si still tackle the debate head-on! In this week's show they dive into whether a cyclist's physique is truly the pinnacle of fitness ...or not!
If you were given £2,000 to buy any bike you want, what would you do? Here at GCN, we'd almost certainly go for a used bike.
Have we finally found the first carbon fibre monocoque UCI-banned superbike which can topple the time of a modern road bike? The Hotta has Tour de France Prologue Victories and Olympic Medals to its name and we've got not just one, but two of these very special machines to pit against a brand-new Canyon Aeroad. But there's a twist, one of the Hotta's is kitted out in full retro-guise, but the other, is a modern take, assembled with cutting-edge components to blend the two worlds into one. Could this create the ultimate mix of modern efficiency with old-school aerodynamic madness? There's only one way to find out!
Are you looking to improve your performance, mobility and endurance on the bike? Whilst we all love to be in the saddle, it's also important to do some work off the bike in the gym as well. Hank has teamed up with a personal trainer to show you some easy ways to build up your strength on the bike, off the bike.
Get the latest, most entertaining and best informed news, reviews, challenges, insights, analysis, competitions and offers - straight to your inbox