Early this morning, the peloton made it to a meeting point in La Chatre for the official race signature. But the riders already knew that the second stage of this 63rd edition of Paris-Nice would be substancially shortened because of the hectic conditions and snow on parts of the course. The organisers therefore decided to start the day’s race in Aigueperse, at the initial kilometre 144,5 after a liaison in the team buses.

The start of the stage was given at 15h23 for a shortened 46,5km race heading to the city of Thiers. As expected, the cold conditions didn’t prevent the riders from taking off at a very high pace. Indeed, no-one managed to break free of a bunch led by the Rabobank and Quickstep riders. After 17 kilometres, the peloton made it to the intermediate sprint of Maringues with Eric Dekker (RAB) confirming he was the race boss, beating Arvesen (CSC) and Reynes (IBA).

After the sprint, the pace remained the same with still the Rabobank team controlling the pack while already quite a few riders were distanced. Indeed, a total of 23 riders failed to keep up with the leading group. In the first kilometres of the Côte de Poudime, other riders slowly dropped out, including men like Frigo (FAS) or Kirsipuu (C.A.). At the top of the climb (cat 3 – Km 38), Kirchen (FAS) beat Voigt (CSC) and Valverde (IBA).

Attacks started from then on. With less than 7 kilometres to go, Voigt and Gomez (SDV) gave it a go but were rapidly caught by the hungry peloton. Under the last kilometre mark, the Quickstep men controlled the leading bunch, chasing each and every attempt. With 300m to go, Tom Boonen (QSD) launched his effort and easily won his second consecutive stage. By doing so, the Belgian captures the overall leader’s yellow and white jersey, ahead of Erik Dekker.

Tom Boonen (QST, stage winner)

“ The stage took off at a very high pace today with this shortened distcance. Once again, I was well helped by my Quickstep team mates. I managed to remain with the leading group in the final climb. In the last 500 metres, it was then up to me to go for the win. The yellow and white jersey is really a bonus because I hadn’t planned to capture it. I will do my best to keep it tomorrow where I still have good chances of victory. But after that, it’ll be up to the climbers to take command.”