For a race nicknamed the 'Race to the Sun', there's a significant lack of sun on stage one of Paris-Nice, with riders battling snow, rain, sleet and cold.
The 198km between Condé-sur-Vesgre and Vendôme, south west of Paris, will feel a lot longer in the very wintry conditions, with the support crews in the team cars tweeting the miserable conditions.
>>> Pro’s-eye view of the 2016 Paris-Nice prologue (video)
The Paris-Nice twitter account tweeted this video of the snow pouring out of the sky ahead of the race.
https://vine.co/v/iXUdHZm6K5i
Etixx-Quick Step held a little competition - feel free to photoshop a sun in there to win...
BMC went down a similar line of wordplay.
Commentator Rob Hatch is at the finish line for Eurosport, but it looks like it's a pretty miserable place to be.
Surprisingly there are some bare legs on show in the peloton. Knee warmers are a must, but several riders not covering their calves - perhaps that's why they're at the back.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
Women’s Tour fundraising campaign receives public backing from Alastair Campbell
Tony Blair's former comms director highlights major role played by race in growth of women’s cycling
-
Crash at Vuelta a Extremadura after spectator moves into road
Spectator was attempting to film the action at Spanish race
-
The Mayor of Nice doesn't want Paris-Nice to finish on seafront as planned
The local leader has concerns about the impact the race during the lockdown
-
Nairo Quintana takes final stage seven as Max Schachmann hangs on for Paris-Nice overall victory
The Colombian took the summit finish victory as Schachmann survived to finish atop the GC
-
Wout Poels crashes out of Paris-Nice: taken to hospital for checks
Team Sky reports that Wout Poels has been taken to hospital after crashing on stage six of Paris-Nice while he was in second place overall
-
Paris-Nice 2018 live TV guide
Where to watch live coverage and catch highlights of the 2018 edition of Paris-Nice (March 4-111)
-
Arnaud Démare wins chaotic opening stage of Paris-Nice as big GC gaps already open up
Arnaud Démare (FDJ) won the first stage of this year's Paris-Nice ahead of Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Floors) in a chaotic day in northern France.
-
Lotto-Soudal change name and kit for Paris-Nice to promote sponsor's product
Lotto-Soudal will be known as Lotto-Fix All for Paris-Nice, to promote one of Soudal's products. The team will also wear a different kit
-
Paris-Nice win is next step in Geraint Thomas's path to leading a Grand Tour team
Team Sky say Geraint Thomas is a step closer to leading a Grand Tour team after impressing with his Paris-Nice victory
-
'This confirms I can be up there with the best stage racers in the world'
Geraint Thomas has beaten Alberto Contador twice in stage racing this season and the Welshman believes his Paris-Nice win shows he can compete with the best in the world
