2021 Paris-Nice reveals Brutally Windy Stages and Killer Climbs

Last year’s race was dominated by brutal crosswinds with Bora-Hansgrohe’s Max Schachmann taking the yellow jersey all the way to the final stage in Nice

Full details of the 2021 Paris-Nice route have been published and it includes some tough early spring stages.

The 2021 edition will include a climb that was used in last year’s race, the Col de la Colmiane, which was won by Nairo Quintana (Arkéa-Samsic) on the penultimate stage

Last year's race was won by Max Schachmann with the last stage in Nice being cancelled due to COVID.

The opening flat stages south are renowned for bad weather, freezing rain and brutal crosswinds.

The 79th edition starts March 7 and finishes March 14 over 8 stages, that includes 3 flatter stages, two stages with the climbs of Chiroubles and the Col de la Colmiane and a 14km time trial for GC battle.

The race opens in the Yvelines department north of Paris and heads south towards Nice.

The brutal crosswinds will be decisive as the race heads south from Oinville-sur-Montcient to Amilly on stage two.

Stage three will be a significant moment in the overall race, as riders will tackle a short 14km time trial stage around Gien.

Stage four sees the riders tackle the first summit finish of the race in Chiroubles as the race reaches the Alps. 

Stage 5 is the longest stage from Vienne to Bollène.

Stage 6 reaches the Mediterranean to Biot before heading to Nice for the final two stages.

Stage seven is a big mountain stage finishing atop the climb of the Col de la Colmiane, a pivitol stage. The climb of Col de la Colmiane made an appearance last year when Nairo Quintana took the stage and Max Schachmann sealed the overall title.

The race finishes with the traditional stage around Nice.