The Frenchman won his third Paris-Nice stage after Cannes in 2008 and Vichy in 2009.

 We didn't know you were a sprinter...

I had lots of confidence in the sprint because I saw on the first stages that I was well right now, even if I'm not a real sprinter. It was super. There was headwind but I didn't panic. It's great, a great emotion.  It's the second time it happens to me on Paris-Nice on the day before the finish, I always do well at this time. This morning I expected a small group to battle it out for  the sprint but I really didn't expect to win.

Did you surprise yourself?

It's a pleasant surprise. I was not really tackling Paris-Nice in great condition. I progressed day after day, I saw I was getting stronger and stronger and I hope it will go on in the races ahead.

How do you see the final time trial?

Tomorrow, I will go full gas, give my best. I will try to manage the climb well. To stay in the top 10 would be good, I think it's feasible.