A new flat stage awaits the Paris-Nice riders this Monday, March 10. Following Tim Merlier 's victory on Sunday in Le Perray-en-Yvelines, the race will start from Montesson at 12:00 for the fictitious start and 12:20 for the real start. Heading for the Loiret and Bellegarde, where the finish is scheduled for between 4.20 and 4.43 pm, depending on the speed of the peloton.
The start of the stage could quickly become animated with the climb up Avenue de Lattre de Tassigny towards Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Shortly afterwards, the riders will cross the Montée du Pecq, the first strategic point of the day.
At km 54, followers were right to tick off the Côte de la Villeneuve, just outside La Celle-les-Bordes. This is the last difficulty(1 km at 5%) before leaving the Yvelines and entering Essonne. Some forty kilometers follow, passing through towns such as Dourdan, Mérobert and Angerville, before entering the Loiret and heading for Bellegarde after a long crossing of the Beauce region.
From 10 a.m., the Place Paul Demange will come alive with several stands dedicated to cycling enthusiasts. You'll find merchandise such as jerseys, caps and T-shirts. A foodtruck will also be on hand to satisfy both small and large appetites. USEP, in partnership with the French Ministry of Education, will be offering a quiz entitled "Parcours vélo", testing your knowledge of cycle racing.
At 10:20 a.m., three classes of schoolchildren - two from the Louis Pergaud school and one from Sartrouville - will set off on a bike course through the town, as a warm-up for the professional race. These young cyclists will have taken part in the "Savoir Rouler " program at their school, enabling them to learn the basics of safe cycling.
At 10.40 a.m., the riders will take to the podium to be presented to the public. This will be an opportunity to get a close-up look at the athletes and immortalize the moment during a photo session with the teams.
At noon, the riders will set off under the arch on rue du Général Leclerc for a 183.9 km stage to Bellegarde.
Pablo Picasso schoolchildren will have the opportunity to meet two former champions, Thomas Voeckler (French road champion in 2004 and 2010) and Sandy Casar (winner of three stages in the Tour de France). They will host a quiz session dedicated to cycling and the Paris-Nice race, a special moment of exchange for these young enthusiasts.
The sprinters will have a great opportunity on this stage, but the breakaways could try their luck on the first difficulties of the course before the finish in Bellegarde.
Location
Place Paul Demange Montesson
Place Paul Démange
78360 Montesson
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.montesson.fr
