Paris Nice 2015 – Stage 5 Preview

By David Hunter

Saint Etienne – Rasteau 192km

After the fireworks of today, we should be in for a quieter day.

The race opens with a bang, 12.2km at 4.5%. Anyone wanting to join the morning break will have to be a good climber, that’s for sure. Once over the climb, we have a very quiet day in the saddle. The cat 2 climb is 6.2km at 4%, again emphasising the need for strong climbers in the morning break.

With so many riders down on GC, a lot of teams will be hoping the break makes it. Good climber who lost time today are: Fedrigo, Tony Martin, Taaramae, Dillier, Albasini, Gastauer, Hivert, Majka, Alaphilippe, Dennis, Clarke, Impey and Devenyns.

Despite not looking like a classic breakaway stage, it could happen. With so many riders down on GC it’s a great chance for the break to win. Key to the move sticking is Orica and Etixx. They have the teams and the will to kill the break. If they get riders in it, then it’s game over.

AG2R were also very active today. The failed to get a result and now will look towards the break. Ben Gastauer, recently won Haut Var, so watch out for him. Orica have half a team capable of winning from the break. If it fails, the finish is made for Michael Matthews.

The final 600metres rising at around 7%, this is a tough finish. The race was here in 2004 and Vinokourov won from a break. If we get a sprint, only the toughest will survive. Matthews, Degenkolb, Kristoff, Gilbert, Kwiatkowski and Slagter look the best on this finish.

Prediction Time

The break has a chance, it all depends what teams are in it. I need to make two predictions! If the break wins, I say Alaphilippe. If we get a sprint, it should really be another day for Bling.

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