VIDEO: Stefan Bissegger on the attack at Paris-Nice: "I can't win in a sprint with all these fast guys, at least give it a try"

The second day of Paris-Nice was highlighted by the strong crosswinds, however in the final 15 kilometers of the stage Stefan Bissegger tried to disrupt the likely scenario of a bunch sprint finish, and was not far from succeeding.

"It was really stressful, a lot of position fight and a lot of crashes. You always need luck to be in the right spot and I think I had it. Legs were not so bad," he said of the battle the stage had been, which saw him in the right positions and groups when the splits started occurring with 90 kilometers to go.

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He added: "I think we had to try something. I know I can't win in a sprint with all these fast guys, at least give it a try. It's also good to know for future races that I'm not far away, I was only caught with 2 kilometers to go so maybe next time." After a first attempt with 15 kilometers to go where he took Stefan Küng and Philippe Gilbert with him, which was cancelled due to several riders bridging across and not working, he tried again himself. With 7 kilometers to go the Swiss set off again, but with the active chase of INEOS and Quick-Step, he couldn't resist and was reeled in with two kilometers to go.

"I'm feeling good, but also others are feeling good so we will see," he concluded, being asked about the stage four time-trial where he will be one of the main favourites, specially after his brilliant win at the recent UAE Tour.