Start times for the Paris-Nice stage 3 team time trial

The start times for the crucial Stage 3 team time trial at Paris-Nice have been released, placing Jonas Vingegaard and Visma-Lease a Bike among the early starters at 14:10 CET. Their primary rivals, including Ineos Grenadiers, are scheduled for later slots, with the final team, Groupama-FDJ, departing at 15:58 CET. This 26.9km TTT around Auxerre is a pivotal early test, and the staggered starts could introduce an interesting dynamic given potential weather changes.

This scheduling is significant, particularly for Visma-Lease a Bike, as early starts in TTTs can sometimes be a disadvantage if conditions improve later in the day, or conversely, an advantage if the weather deteriorates. Vingegaard, the reigning Tour de France champion, is making his season debut, and while his team is renowned for its TTT prowess, the early slot adds a layer of strategic intrigue. Ineos, with their GC ambitions, will be watching closely, hoping for favourable conditions in their later slot.

Ultimately, the road will decide, but an early start for the yellow-and-black machine suggests a confidence in their raw power, weather be damned.