Matteo Jorgenson Leads 2025 Paris-Nice Heading into Final Stages

LE PERRAY-EN-YVELINES, France — The 2025 edition of the Paris-Nice cycling race, also known as the Race to the Sun, is underway, with reigning champion Matteo Jorgenson leading the pack as it heads into the final stages. The event commenced on March 9 and will continue until March 16, covering a challenging route from the north of France to Nice in the south.

This year’s race features eight stages, including difficult hill climbs, sprints, and a critical 28km team time trial. The course tests the stamina of cyclists as they navigate a variety of terrains, with a total distance of 1,206 kilometers. Jorgenson, riding for Visma-Lease A Bike, has shown strong performance, recently reclaiming the yellow jersey during Stage 6.

“It’s a real test of our endurance and strategy,” Jorgenson said after clinching the lead. “Every stage presents new challenges, but our team is ready to tackle whatever comes our way.”

After a dramatic Stage 5, in which Jorgenson managed to regain the lead from teammate Jonas Vingegaard, the American cyclist is poised to defend his title against strong competitors like Florian Lipowitz from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. Jorgenson’s ascension was marked by an aggressive riding style during Stage 7, as he outperformed rivals in a grueling mountain segment.

Vingegaard, a two-time winner of Paris-Nice, will not continue in the race after sustaining a hand injury during Stage 5. His absence is felt within the team, as Jorgenson now carries the weight of their hopes for the overall victory. “It’s unfortunate that Jonas is sidelined; I’ll do my best to ride for both of us,” Jorgenson stated.

The remaining stages are expected to further challenge riders with steep climbs and potential adverse weather. The route leading into Nice includes favorite climbs like the Col des Quatre Chemins, known for its difficult gradients, where vital time gaps can emerge among the general classification contenders.

As the race continues, spectators in various countries can catch live broadcasts: in the UK, the race airs on TNT Sports, while viewers in the USA can watch on NBC Sports via Peacock. Additionally, free streaming options are available in several European countries, including France and Belgium.

The final leg of Paris-Nice is anticipated to be fiercely competitive, with strategic energy conservation and sprinting tactics playing major roles in each team’s approach to claiming victory. The 2025 Paris-Nice promises more excitement as the cyclists race towards their final destination in Nice on March 16.