Stage 7 of Paris-Nice concluded with a thrilling summit finish at Auron which saw Micheal Storer (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) ride away from a lead group in the final kilometers under adverse weather conditions to take the win. Runner-ups, Mauro Schmid (Team Jayco AlUla) and Georg Steinhauser (EF Education-EasyPost), followed at 20 seconds and 30 seconds.
Matteo Jorgenson (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) kept the general classification lead, 37” ahead of Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) and 1:20” ahead of Thymen Arensman (INEOS Grenadiers).
Originally designed as a 147.8-kilometer route from Nice to Auron, the stage was truncated to 109.3 kilometers. This adjustment was made after the Col de la Colmiane was removed from the itinerary, a decision influenced by unfavorable climatic conditions in the Alpes-Maritimes region. The organizers prioritized rider safety, especially concerning the descent of the Col de la Colmiane. The modified route included the initial ascent to Aspremont and concluded with the Category One climb to Auron.
From the outset, a 15-rider breakaway formed, featuring notable climbers such as Michael Storer (Tudor Pro Cycling) and puncheur Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-Quick-Step). The group established a significant lead over the peloton, with Storer proving to be the most formidable on the day’s challenging terrain. Alaphilippe played a pivotal role, working tirelessly to support his teammate’s bid for victory.
As the breakaway approached the final climb to Auron, Storer launched a decisive solo attack, distancing himself from his companions. His relentless pace and exceptional climbing skills saw him crest the summit alone, securing a well-deserved victory.
Storer gave much credit for his win to his teammate Julian Alaphilippe afterwards. “It doesn’t happen often that a two-time world champion rides ahead of you. That was super motivating. My other teammates helped me all week too.”
“He’s [Alaphillippe] unique. He feels the race. I think he knew we had a good chance from that group. Julian knew we were going to make it. He was the most important rider for the team today. I’m happy I was good enough to finish it off.”
GC leader Jorgenson felt he controlled things best he could, but admits he was suffering like everyone else. “The last weekend around Nice is always stressful. I knew that, so I was ready for it. It wasn’t easy, but it was better than yesterday. I had it under control, as much as you can when you’re driving to a ski resort in the snow. I was suffering along with everyone else, but I felt completely in control.”
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