Sergio Henao (Team Sky) hung on to take the overall win in Paris-Nice, despite coming under severe pressure on today’s 115-kilometre stage from Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo).
Contador who went into the stage in third place, 31″ down on Henao went on the attack 65 kilometres into the stage on the Col de Peille. Alongside the 2007 and 2010 winner was his team mate Jarlinson Pantano and at the top of the climb, Contador was just two seconds from becoming virtual leader.
On the descent, Henao was helped by team-mates Sebastian Henao and David Lopez and they joined forces with second-placed overall Dan Martin (Quick Step) and Martin’s team mate green jersey Julian Alaphilippe.
Up front, Contador joined up with a group of riders who had broken clear early on and their lead stretched to 50 seconds after 80 kilometres.
On the final climb of the race – the Col d’Eze- it became a battle between Contador in the lead group and Henao who had lost his team mates and was working alone to reduce the gap.
Contador’s lead was 55 seconds as he and his breakaway companions, David de la Cruz (Quick Step Floors) and Marc Soler (Movistar Team) neared the summit of the Col d’Eze with Henao having to respond to attacks from Martin, Alaphilippe and Ion Izagirre.
A thrilling descent to Nice followed and Contador appeared to be tiring as they neared the finish. De la Cruz took the stage win ahead of Contador, with the bunch finishing 21 seconds later. Henao had managed to hang to win by just two seconds.
Summary – Stage 8 (Nice / Nice) – Paris-Nice 2017 by tourdefrance
