At it happened: rain-shortened stage 7 of Paris-Nice ends in a bunch sprint

The penultimate stage of Paris-Nice, Stage 7, saw its route significantly altered and shortened from 104km to just 109.5km, finishing in Nice. Heavy rain and adverse weather conditions forced organisers to bypass the Col de Châteauneuf and the Côte de Berre-les-Alpes, ultimately leading to a bunch sprint victory for Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) in a reduced peloton. Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) retained his overall lead heading into the final stage.

This latest route modification underscores the increasing challenges race organisers face with unpredictable weather, especially in early-season European races. Paris-Nice has a history of weather-related disruptions, and this year's edition has been particularly affected, impacting the race's strategic development and favouring sprinters or those with a strong kick rather than pure climbers. The decision prioritises rider safety, but inevitably reshapes the narrative of the 'Race to the Sun' into something rather less sunny.

Ultimately, another stage, another weather-induced reshuffle. One might begin to wonder if the 'Race to the Sun' should consider a rebrand to the 'Race to Whatever Weather We Get'.