Jumbo Visma smashed the opposition to take the Stage team time trial at Paris-Nice. However, they were prevented from taking the leader’s jersey by Magnus Cort who took a slender lead. Much was made of rule changes that allowed the team time trial to be run differently. Previously, the time was taken as the 4th rider came across the finish line. This year, it was taken on the first rider to cross the finish line but GC time would be taken by each individual finish.
That allowed for different race tactics, with riders dropping back earlier than normal after making big turns. No longer needing to hang onto the finish, riders were able to go harder for longer. The effect of Jumbo Visma winning was that Jonas Vingegaard holds a lead of 14 seconds over Tadej Pogacar. Jayco-AlUla led the early finisher but their best time was subsequently beaten by Jumbo-Visma and Ef as well. Simon Yates was a beneficiary of this. Surprisingly, Ineos Grenadiers only finished 10th in a discipline that they traditionally do well in.
Main photo credit: Cor Vos
2023 Paris Nice Stage 3 result
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