Title successfully defended - Overall win in Paris-Nice

What a way to open the season. I still can't really believe it. What a final stage. From the hunter to the hunted within 10km. This sport always produces dramatic stories. Of course I had much rather taken the win in a different way, but our sport is so diverse and even the best can make mistakes. Today Lady Luck was on my side, and I am thankful for that. But I am also thankful that despite his bad luck, Primoz congratulated me on my success. I was not sure how good my form really was. After a training block at altitude you can't directly say how you will be. But the late start in the season paid off.

After the time trial I was a little disappointed. I lost time there. I felt good in the mountains and it went better day by day. I was able to neutralize all the attacks today in the finale. Now I can go into the first Classics with a lot of self-confidence. I have a week to recover in order to be at the start of Milan-Sanremo with the needed energy.

A big thanks go to my team for their support and their belief in me. I am very proud to repeat my win from last year. Now I am facing a long racing season. Let's see what all will come. Yours, Maximilian.

Photo: Roth Foto | Paris-Nice, Stage 8 | 14 Mar 2021