Mar 8, 2010
Paris - Nice: first stage: Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines - Contres 203.5km

After the 8 kilometre long prologue yesterday, which Tadej finished 43 seconds behind Lars Boom (Rabobank), the Paris-Nice race saw its first stage today. Being completely flat, it should have been perfect for the sprinters, but the outcome was greatly influenced by strong wind.

Quickly after the start, there came to an attack by Albert Timmer (Skil-Shimanoju) and Romain Feillu (Vacansoleil). They were eventually caught in the last quarter of the race. After the unsuccessful attack by Philipp Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto) and Tom Veelers (Skil-Shimano), 10 riders stayed in front with the help of the wind. They were then joined by additional 7 riders. Staging a great sprint, the Slovenian Grega Bole (Lampre - Farnese Vini) nearly recorded the win, but he was overtaken by Greg Henderson (Sky Professional Cycling Team) in the last moments of the race. The peloton finished 17 seconds behind.

Tadej was one of the victims of the wind and came in over 7 minutes later. He hadn't started this race in the best shape possible saying that he will try to record a good result in the mountain stages towards the end of the week. Wind the whole day long, millions of falls. In these weather conditions I will try to survive the next two days and then, on more difficult climbs, I will be able to test my current shape.