It was a successful week of racing for Team Katusha in the 73rd Paris – Nice with Simon Špilak capping off the team effort by taking the third spot on the podium for the final general classification. Špilak’s second place finish yesterday moved him within striking distance of the podium and today’s second place in the uphill time trial solidified the position for the Slovenian rider.
- It was my objective to reach the overall podium here in Paris – Nice, so I am really happy I did it today! I think our tactic yesterday was a good one. I took some important seconds, which helped me today to reach the podium. Today I was very motivated. I knew I could do well and on the distance I performed at 100%. I like this time trial in Nice. I think it is my third time I am here, and now I was able to get a podium place both in the stage and in the general classification. This result gives me even more motivation for my next goals - Vuelta al País Vasco and Tour de Romandie, - said Simon Špilak.
- Like yesterday, today’s weather was really bad with the rain, cold and strong wind in the final kilometer. Simon was very motivated. We did a lap in the car for him to see the route again and he knew this stage from previous years. On the distance he was really strong. His second place in time trial proves it perfectly. Now we all are happy with our podium in general classification of Paris - Nice. This is a really important result for the team in the beginning of the season. Now we are looking forward to our next races, where we would like to achieve bigger results, - added team director Dmitry Konyshev.
The stage win went to Richie Porte (Sky) by 13-seconds to Špilak and 24-seconds to Rui Costa of Lampre-Merida.
Race leader Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) was unable to defend his 36-second lead and Porte won the race for the second time in his career. Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx – Quick Step) and Simon Špilak rounded out the podium on the same time at 30-seconds behind Porte.
The final stage was a mountain time trial from Nice up the Col d’Eze at 9,6 km. Miserable weather conditions with rain, wind and cold faced the riders throughout the day, but Špilak seized the opportunity and put up a brilliant performance to reach the podium.
While “The Race to the Sun” didn’t live up to its name, ending in the cold of Nice on Sunday, Team Katusha felt plenty of warmth and pride from a solid week of racing. Simon’s podium placing and Alexander Kristoff’s stage win in Stage 1 showed that the team riders have prepared well for the start of the classics season and are aiming for good results in every race.
Photo credit: (c) Tim De Waele
