The final stage of the Paris-Nice saw Tim Wellens (Lottos-Fixall) take the stage victory ahead of Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) and Richie Porte (BMC Racing). Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) won the race overall.
For Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka the day began with Jacques Janse van Rensburg not able to take the start. Our South African climber crashed during yesterday’s stage and while he was able to finish the stage, Janse van Rensburg injured his ribs which prevented him from racing today’s final stage.
With just 4 riders left in the race, it was always going to be a difficult day for our African Team going up against the world’s best. Matthew Brammeier tried to put up a bit of a fight by riding across to the large 22 rider breakaway that formed early on. Just after making the junction though, Brammeier was distanced as some serious climbing began.
The stage was then set for the main GC contenders to light the race up over the final 2 category 1 climbs of the day. Our 4 remaining African Team riders had to take a backseat as the likes of Contador, Porte and Thomas went head to head for the yellow jersey. In the end, Thomas would come out on top and did enough to win the 2016 Paris-Nice by 4 seconds from Contador.
Jean Pierre Heynderickx – Sport Director
