Stage four of the Paris-Nice race was temporarily neutralized on Wednesday as riders faced extreme weather conditions. After a brief pause, the race resumed with 28 kilometers remaining.
Heavy rain, sleet, snow, and slippery roads caused the disruption, with the peloton and breakaway group halted around 45 kilometers from the finish at La Loge des Gardes, the stage’s first summit finish. Initially, the reason for the pause was unclear, but television footage later revealed a police motorbike had crashed off the road, which may have contributed to the stoppage. Additionally, the presence of slush from the sleet on the roads posed a further risk to the riders.
After approximately 10 minutes of delay, the race was allowed to continue. During the break, riders took the opportunity to change clothes and drink hot fluids. At the time of the neutralization, the breakaway group of seven riders had built a lead of over two minutes, with a third group of three riders trailing behind. As the race restarted, the breakaway group continued its effort, now joined by a total of 10 riders ahead of the peloton.
However, the race was briefly paused again with 28.8 kilometers to go. Riders in the breakaway were permitted to return to their team cars, while the peloton waited for riders who had dropped off the back. Once the race resumed, the breakaway group was given the same time gap they had when the neutralization occurred, though nearly 20 kilometers were removed from the course, which could potentially favor the leaders.
The official Paris-Nice social media account initially posted an update on X, stating, “The race is being neutralized due to the weather conditions. Race regulators signal the riders to slow down.” Later, they confirmed the restart: “The race is back on! The seven breakaway riders continue their journey, with the Foss-Tarling duo chasing 1’35” behind, and the peloton at 2’20”.”
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