Paris-Nice (opening ITT)
Both Spaniards finish within 20 seconds of Michal Kwiatkowski (EQS) at short time trial kicking off Paris-Nice action in Maurepas on Sunday
A route with no big technical difficulties and suited for specialists, yet short (6.7km) and with two different parts over downhill and uphill, opened the 73th edition of Paris-Nice with a narrow victory by Michal Kwiatkowski (EQS), in front of UCI Hour Record holder Rohan Dennis (BMC).
Movistar Team completed a decent performance, with both Gorka Izagirre (19th) and Rubén Fernández (23rd) installed just udner 20 seconds behind the Polish rider. Ion Izagirre (+24") is also in good position before the race is decided into crosswind split -set to happen on days one to three-, mountains on Thursday (Croix de Chaubouret) and Saturday plus the TT showdown atop the Col d'Eze.
Monday will bring the sprinters to the fore with the finish in Contres, after 196.5km starting at Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse in Yvelines.