This seven day stage race that brings the cycling elite to France early in the season, a full five months ahead of the legendary Tour de France, is now in full swing.
Today Stage 5 will cover 198km of riding from Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux to Salon-de-Provence. The riders will be taking on the mighty Mont Ventoux at approximately 60km into the race, the legendary climb that is a frequent addition in Le Tour de France.
Current Paris-Nice leader, Australian cyclist Michael Matthews admits that it will be a tough day, and as a sprinter on Team Orica-Greenedge, he is not expected to carry the yellow jersey to the finish line in Nice. Team director Laurenzo Lapage said: "Of course Michael wants to win a third stage and I believe stage 5 suits him better. We climb the Ventoux, but it's very far from the finish line so it shouldn't be a problem. Michael is in great shape, he can look for a good GC standing. But winning Paris-Nice? No. Saturday's and Sunday's stages are too hard."
The Welshman from Team Sky, Geraint Thomas is sitting in 5th position overall, just 19 seconds off the leader, so we can be assured that they will be fighting to get him to the top step of the podium by the end of Sunday's stage.
This years race has been fraught with suspense as weather has made for dramatic racing conditions. In fact stage 3 was cancelled due to safety concerns. The peloton completed 93 of the day's proposed 168 kilometres before climbing off at the feedzone at the top of the Col des Echarmeaux as snow covered the road.
We can only wait and see what the majestic Mont Ventoux will throw at the riders today, and enjoy the racing through this beautiful region of France.
