Tim Merlier Dominates Paris-Nice Stage 1, Claims Race Lead
Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step claimed a decisive victory in the opening stage of Paris-Nice, leaving his rivals far behind in Le Perray-en-Yvelines. This win, his fifth of the season, catapults him into the race leader's yellow jersey.
The day's racing was intense, with breakaways forming and being swallowed up until the final sprint. Merlier's powerful finish saw him cross the line well clear of Arnaud Démare (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) and Alberto Dainese (Tudor Pro Cycling Team). Jhonatan Narváez (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) won the day's intermediate sprint, signaling his ambition for the general classification.
Merlier's victory not only secured him the race lead but also put him four seconds ahead of Démare and Narváez. The following stage saw a change in leadership, with Marc Soler claiming victory in the second stage of Paris-Nice 2025.
Tim Merlier's dominant performance in the opening stage of Paris-Nice has set the tone for the race. His fifth win of the season and the race lead put him in a strong position, four seconds ahead of his closest rivals. However, with Marc Soler's victory in the second stage, the race for the overall title remains wide open.
