Paris-Nice: Arnaud Démare, 2nd in the first stage

Race reportMar 9, 2025

World Team TeamParis - Nice

On Sunday, Arnaud Démare finished second in the sprint of the first stage of Paris - Nice, contested between Le Perray-en-Yvelines and Le Perray-en-Yvelines (156.1km).

Arnaud Démare

Second... I'm disappointed. I wasn't in a good position going into the last bend. I'm a bit locked in. Disappointed but Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick Step) was solid. The final was very tiring. I didn't think it would be so tough. We saw some riders in trouble. I thought it would speed up in terms of the bonus. Then there was a break and some riders took advantage to attack. At that moment, I was a bit scared because there were some big teams in front, including Lidl - Trek and Tudor Pro Cycling Team, who were also supposed to be riding for a sprint. It was a bit of a surprise. It's the third time since the start of the season that I've finished second in a sprint. Now we have to turn these podiums into victories. On this first stage, the ARKEA-B&B HOTELS team was good. But we still have some fine-tuning to do before the next stage. We're concentrating on Monday's stages.

Laurent Pichon

Sport director

The objective is victory. Especially for a rider like Arnaud Démare, who has already won Paris-Nice. The ARKEA-B&B HOTELS team did its utmost to support him on this first stage. We were beaten by a rider who was stronger. I remember that Arnaud sprinted and that he was there for the finish. We're not going to settle for second place and try again on Monday, on the second stage. A podium finish is good, but we can and will do better.

Emmanuel Hubert

General Manager

There are reasons to think and believe in victory. I think that if it opens up a fraction of a second earlier for Arnaud Démare, it's a tie with Tim Merlier and that the photo finish is closer. This result bodes well for Arnaud. He has the right mindset and confidence. On Monday, on the second stage, there's room for improvement. A lot can happen in a sprint. Arnaud has what it takes to dream and win a stage this week.

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