“I think it's the toughest one-week race on the entire calendar" - Romain Bardet ready to take on Paris-Nice challenge

The 2023 edition of Paris-Nice looks set to be one of the most hotly contested versions of the race in years. One man looking set to be in contention for the overall win is Romain Bardet although he admits it won't be easy.

“I think it's the toughest one-week race on the entire calendar," says Bardet who has twice before finished in the top 10 on the general classification at Paris-Nice. "It's right behind the Grand Tours. It's not where I'm most comfortable, but there's always a big fight. The voltage is constant. It's a tough race, with a tough stage very early, then there's the wind factor, a time trial and then the weekend with lots of climbs."

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The biggest challenge for Bardet to overcome if he hopes to take home the crown will undoubtedly be the fact that both Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard will both also be at the race. "They've been flying since the beginning of the season . They also have two strong teams, that's for sure," he says of his competitors. "But however it goes there are always strong riders and a big battle at Paris-Nice. So I can say that I will go for my ride. First of all I have to have confidence in my legs and my shape."

"I haven't reached the peak yet," continues Bardet. "But the legs are good. I had to overcome a small virus that debilitated me a bit last weekend, but it passed quickly."