Originally, the 6th stage of Paris-Nice 2023 was supposed to run over 197.4 kilometres from Tourves to La Colle-sur-Loup. But that didn't happen. Very strong winds on the route prompted organiser Amaury Sports Organisation (A.S.O.) to cancel the section.
Paris-Nice race organisers comment on cancellation
"After considering several options to change the route and waiting for the weather to improve in the afternoon, the Paris-Nice organisers have decided to cancel stage 6 to ensure the safety of the riders at the 81st edition of Paris-Nice. The exceptionally strong winds make the cancellation of the stage unavoidable," reads a press release from the race organisation.
Trees fallen on the track
The stage from Tourves to La Colle-sur-Loup had previously been shortened to 80 kilometres. However, trees had fallen on the route due to the gale-force winds, which meant that the safety of the riders could no longer be guaranteed.
On Saturday, Paris-Nice 2023 will continue as planned with stage 7: 142.8 kilometres between Nice and the Col de la Couillole. The long-distance race ends on Sunday with a 118.4-kilometre section around Nice. In the overall standings, the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar from UAE Team Emirates ahead of David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ).
Wind not only influences Paris-Nice
The World Tour race taking place at the same time Tirreno-Adriatico is also influenced by the weather. The mountain finish cannot take place as planned at an altitude of 1451 metres in Sarnano-Sassotetto. Due to the wind, the finish line will be almost three kilometres earlier in Fonte Landina.
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