Sunday March 8th until Sunday March 15th 2026 - Paris-Nice (1229 km)

The “Race to the Sun” gets underway on Sunday and finishes a week later on the Côte d’Azur. The 2026 edition promises a well-balanced course for sprinters, puncheurs, and climbers alike. Across 1,230 kilometers and more than 16,000 meters of elevation, riders will face eight varied stages, including a team time trial and two summit finishes. The weather outlook is mostly favorable, with mild spring conditions early on and a chance of rain around Nice during the final weekend.

Stage 1, over 170.9 kilometers, sets the tone right away. A short 1.1-kilometer wall at 8.3% lurks 11 kilometers from the line, perfect terrain for punchy finishers or opportunistic attackers. Stage 2 should suit the sprinters, though crosswinds on exposed roads could wreak havoc and catch the GC riders off guard.

The third day brings a 23.5-kilometer team time trial. As in the coming Tour de France, each rider’s individual time will count, placing extra emphasis on coordination and pacing. Stage 4 introduces the first major climbing test, with a brutally steep closing kilometer at 12.8%, likely the first real GC showdown.

At 206 kilometers, Stage 5 is the longest of the race, featuring nearly 3,000 meters of elevation. Three sharp climbs in the final 35 kilometers ensure action from the breakaway and the chasers. Stage 6, finishing in Apt, could see late attacks after a 4-kilometer hill tops out just 4.5 kilometers before a flat finale, perfect territory for strong all-rounders.

Stage 7 is the queen stage. From Nice, the riders head inland for 138.7 kilometers, climbing steadily toward Auron. With two smaller climbs early on, the stage culminates in a decisive 7.3-kilometer ascent averaging 7.2%. It’s a regular but relentless climb, the kind of effort that separates true climbers from the rest. The GC battle should fully ignite here, especially if the Alpine weather turns rough.

The final stage covers 129 kilometers around Nice, packed with three tough climbs. The last rises for 3.3 kilometers at an average of 8.8% before a fast descent to the finish on the Mediterranean. It’s a short, explosive finale classic Paris–Nice terrain, where any remaining time gaps can still change the outcome.

Saturday March 14th 2026 - Paris-Nice stage 7: Nice-Auron (138.7 km)

Disclaimer: Weather conditions in the Alps on Saturday, March 14, may be unpredictable, with low temperatures, wind, and possible precipitation near Auron. These factors could affect stage organization. Start and finish details, climb timing, or certain route sections may be altered by the race jury or organizers. All route, distance, and elevation information is based on the latest official data. Predicitons will be changed as soon as official information is availabe.

On Saturday, March 14, Paris–Nice heads into the mountains for a demanding 139-kilometre stage from Nice to Auron. With 2,580 metres of climbing, it’s the queen stage of the race – one that saves its real drama for the final ascent.

The riders start gently through the Var valley before tackling the climb to Carros (7 km at 5.1%). The road continues to rise for a few kilometres, then dips briefly before the Côte de Bouyon (1.7 km at 6.1%) adds another test. From there, the terrain settles down: rolling roads, minor gradients and little to disrupt the rhythm for the next 50 kilometres.

Midway through, the peloton returns to the Var valley and then turns into the Tinée, where the decisive climb begins from Drogon. The ascent to Auron measures 7.3 kilometres at an average of 7.2%, with the steepest section – a kilometre at around 9% – found inside the final 1.5 kilometres.

Last year Michael Storer triumphed here, dropping breakaway companion Mauro Schmid in the closing kilometres. Expect the GC contenders to trade blows on the same slopes this time, with Auron again set to shape the race for the yellow jersey.

🧢Become part of our community, receive tips and rejoice together in the community (350 members) https://petjeaf.com/wielerorakel.
📸Follow us for unique content on Instagram
🎙️Listen to the WielerOrakel Podcast atSPOTIFY or APPLE PODCAST