Stage 5 of Paris-Nice took the peloton from Saint Symphorien sur Coise to Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, and at 212.4km was the race’s longest stage. A breakaway was brought back at 88km from the finish and ultimately, despite four categorised climbs, the sprinters had one more chance today. With two roundabouts within the final kilometer, it was a tricky finale. Sam Bennett sprinted to 7th, while O. Kooij took the win.
Result
01 O. Kooij 5:19:54
02 M. Pedersen +0:00
03 T. Merlier +0:00
07 S. Bennett 0:00
From the Finish Line
“The sprinter teams didn't let a larger group go today and ensured that the fast men got their last chance. In the technical and tricky finale, positioning was the key to success today. Danny van Poppel did a good lead out but unfortunately Sam Bennett isn’t 100% healthy, which is why he ultimately didn't have the necessary punch.” Rolf Aldag, Sports Director