Results Paris-Nice 2026 Stage 2 | Nearly-man no more as Max Kanter takes first WorldTour win for XDS Astana

Max Kanter powered to victory in the bunch sprint on Stage 2 of Paris-Nice 2026, taking the win in Montargis after the peloton caught late attacker Daan Hoole inside the final kilometre.

The XDS Astana Team rider emerged fastest from the chaotic sprint finish, beating Laurence Pithie on the line after a tense finale that had briefly threatened to deny the sprinters their opportunity. Despite the late drama, Luke Lamperti successfully defended the race lead he claimed on the opening day.

For much of the afternoon, the stage appeared to be following a predictable script. An early breakaway led by Casper Pedersen and Mathis Le Berre animated the opening phase of the race before the peloton gradually brought the move back with almost 60 kilometres remaining.

The calm was broken later when Hoole attacked from the peloton with roughly 21 kilometres left to race. The Dutch rider quickly opened a gap as sprint teams hesitated, building an advantage of around twenty seconds and forcing the peloton into a serious chase.

Hoole continued to push deep into the finale and still held a small lead entering the final kilometres, briefly raising the possibility of a surprise solo victory. However, the bunch finally swept past the lone leader inside the final kilometre as the sprint trains surged forward toward the finish.

With Hoole caught under the flamme rouge, the stage was ultimately decided in the expected bunch sprint. Kanter produced the fastest acceleration in the closing metres to secure the victory, finishing ahead of Pithie after a fast and technical run-in to the line.

Behind them, the peloton battled through a tense final kilometre after a nervy build-up that included several crashes earlier in the closing phase of the stage.

While the stage victory went to Kanter, the general classification remained unchanged at the top. Lamperti, who had started the day in yellow after his opening stage win, remained safely positioned throughout the finale to retain the overall lead.

The race now moves on to Stage 3, where the team time trial is expected to provide the first major reshuffle of the general classification.