Paris-Nice mountain stage cut AGAIN - 47 kilometers saved but still at risk due to heavy cold and snowing

Stage 7 of Paris-Nice was originally designed to finish in the Auron ski station, avoiding some of the longer climbs of the Alpes Maritimes but still delivering a summit finish in the region. However this was not enough to prevent the race from being changed due to the weather. For the second time in 12 the stage was cut and at the time being, even the 47-kilometer long stage that has been updated is at risk.

Last evening the organizers cut the summit finish to Auron, with the heavy snowfall in the region making it impossible to run the race safely. Initially, the stage was cut to 120 kilometers but this morning a second meeting has forced the organizers and riders agree on another cut. Now, the stage is set to finish in Isola but only the last 47 kilometers leading into the road, which are mostly a straightforward road up the valley, are to be held.

Paris-Nice organizers have released the following statement minutes ago: "We will depart in a convoy at 12:00 PM to head to a new starting point 47 km from the finish line. We will start the race again at 1:45 PM from this location for the final 47 km of the race. Finish line at Isola".

Riders showed up at the signing this morning under rainy conditions in Nice, with the famous nickname 'Race to the Sun' not coming to light this year. The stage should, if it takes place, be adequate for the sprinters on paper due to its length and lack of climbing - although the riders still take on a slight ascent through the valley.

But this should be taken with a grain of salt. On the ground, Matteo Trentin has said in words to Daniel Benson that the stage should be cancelled. It can't be discarded that if the stage is held, the times could be neutralized. The temperatures in Isola are at a maximum of 0 degrees today and already this morning snow has fell in the new finish area, meaning there is no avoiding it.