In the cycling calendar, spring does not officially begin until the Paris-Nice is held, one of the most iconic and emblematic races in road cycling. Since its humble beginnings in 1933, this race has evolved to become one of the major events of the season, attracting the best teams and riders from the international peloton.
Throughout its history, Paris-Nice has seen legends such as Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil or Miguel Indurain crowned, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory of cycling. Its route is famous for combining flat stages, medium mountain days, and explosive uphill finishes, making it an carrera ideal for the most complete and strategic cyclists.
But what truly sets Paris-Nice apart within the World Tour circuit is its unpredictable character. The variable weather —with sun, rain, wind, and even snow in the same week— tests not only the legs but also the mental endurance of the riders. For those who follow it from home or from the roadside, it is a perfect demonstration of what it means to compete with a road bike at the highest level: managing effort, adapting to the terrain, and surviving the unexpected.
Paris-Nice marks the true start of the season for many fans, and represents one of those cycling events that keep the sport's tradition alive. A carrera where every pedal stroke is history in motion.
Origins and Early Years
The carrera Paris-Nice was organized for the first time by the newspaper Le Petit Journal in 1933, as a way to promote tourism in France and increase circulation. The inaugural edition covered a distance of 1,539 kilometers in five stages, starting in Paris and finishing in Nice. The carrera quickly gained popularity and became a must on the cycling calendar. In the early years, the carrera Paris-Nice was dominated by French cyclists, who won the first six editions of the race. Paris-Nice soon became known for the demands of its course, with several mountain stages that tested the climbing skills of the riders.
The Postwar Years
The carrera Paris-Nice was suspended during the Second World War, but resumed in 1946 and quickly regained its status as one of the world's premier races. During this period it was dominated by cyclists from France and Italy, with the legendary Fausto Coppi winning the carrera in 1952 and consolidating himself as one of the best cyclists of the time.
The Golden Era
The 1960s and 1970s are considered the "Golden Era" of the carrera Paris-Nice. During this period, the carrera was dominated by cyclists from Belgium and the Netherlands, including Eddy Merckx, who won the carrera seven times between 1969 and 1975. This race contributed notably to the legend of The Cannibal, due to the voracity with which the Belgian all-champion went out to contest it every year.
Modern Era
The carrera Paris-Nice has undergone several changes in recent years, but it remains one of the most important races in the cycling calendar. The current format of the carrera includes eight stages, with a mix of flat terrain, hills, and mountains. The carrera usually takes place at the beginning of March, making it an important early-season test for cyclists. One of the most significant changes in recent years was the decision to move the finish line from the Promenade des Anglais in Nice to the Col d'Èze, a challenging climb that has become a staple of the carrera. This change has added an extra element of excitement to the carrera, with cyclists battling on the steep slopes of the Col d'Èze in the final stage.
The Great Champions
Paris-Nice has seen some of the best cyclists in the history of cycling compete for the title. Eddy Merckx is considered the best cyclist in the history of the carrera, with his seven victories between 1969 and 1975 demonstrating his dominance. Other greats who have won the carrera include Jacques Anquetil, Sean Kelly, Fausto Coppi, and Miguel Indurain, who reached the top of the podium in 1989. In recent years, the carrera has been dominated by a new generation of cyclists, including Alberto Contador, Bradley Wiggins, and Richie Porte. These cyclists have added their own chapter to the history of the carrera, with their impressive performances on the challenging terrain of the carrera.
The Best Editions
Paris-Nice has seen many memorable editions over the years, but some stand out as the best. The 1955 edition is considered one of the best, with Louison Bobet winning an exciting final stage to secure his third consecutive victory in the carrera. The 1971 edition is also legendary, with Eddy Merckx winning the carrera by more than nine minutes and dominating the competition in every stage.