Paris Nice 2008 stage 2

Stage two of the 2008 Paris Nice saw for the second day the darker side of the 'Race to the Sun'. Once more the riders were forced to endure wet, cold and windy conditions as they crossed the Rhone Alp on the stage Nevers to Belleville of 201 km. The stage featured three third category climbs and a second close to the finish.

Steegmans wins the sprint

Thiery Dupond (Skil Shimano) rode a long lonely break gaining 15 minutes over the rest before he was gobbled up by the peloton, the Skil Shimano rider visibly suffering on the second category Col du Fut d’Avenas.

Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) flew down the mist shrouded descent but was caught as they hit the flat by Gert Steegman (Quickstep), Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) and Michael Albasini (Liquigas). The four then gained a gap and despite a bit of cat and mouse held out to see Steegman's win the sprint.

Phillipe Gilbert (FDJ) led in the group a few seconds later. Frank Shleck (CSC) was one of few riders to crash and lose ground on leader Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole).

1. STEEGMANS G.QST5h 29' 47"
2.HUSHOVD T.C.A00' 00"
3.CHAVANEL S.COF00' 00"
4.ALBASINI M.LIQ00' 00"
5.GILBERT P.FDJ00' 03"
6.TOSATTO M.QST00' 03"
7.LORENZETTO M.LAM00' 03"
8.FRANZOI E.LIQ00' 03"
9.MORI M.SDV00' 03"
10.REYNES V.THR00' 03"

General Classifiaction
1. Thor HUSHOVD61 CREDIT AGRICOLE
2. Gert STEEGMANS151 QUICK STEP at 3 secs
3. Jérôme PINEAU 105 BOUYGUES TELECOM at 23 secs

Reaction “This morning when I saw the lousy weather I was really sad. However, in the morning's technical meeting we decided to try and win the stage with the final phase involving four climbs and a long downhill before the finish line. When Hushovd attacked I realised that the chase wasn't well organized, so I decided to take his wheel and in the sprint I got the better of him. I'm very happy; I was aiming for a stage victory here in France, and now I've already won two. I like this kind of slightly uphill finishes. The whole team is pedaling well and is highly motivated. Am I thinking about Sanremo? Of course, just like everyone else. But first of all I have to help the climbers on the team in the next stages as much as I possibly can.”