Bradley Wiggins secures the final stage victory at the Paris-Nice 2012
Bradley Wiggins of Team Sky Procycling claimed his first stage win at the Paris-Nice after his remarkable performance at the 9.6 kilometre chase to Col d’Eze.
He crossed the finish-line in the fastest time of 19 minutes and 12 seconds with a lead of 2 seconds over Lieuwe Westra.
Jean-Christophe Peraud of Team Ag2R La Mondiale finished 33 seconds behind Wiggins and grabbed the third spot during the 8th stage of the race.
Both Wiggins and Westra fought for the overall spot previously during the fifth stage of the race. The Dutch overcame Bradley and secured the stage victory.
He noted after crossing the finish-line, “With one kilometre to go Wiggins attacked and he didn’t get away so I decided to attack myself. I took 100 meters on the group and they didn’t catch me, unbelievable!”
Lieuwe thanked Team Vacansoleil-DCM for its support during the fifth stage of the race and also admired the splendid efforts by Wiggins.
Bradley was overwhelmed with the final stage victory and also noted that he had the fifth stage scenario at the back of his mind.
“I had a fright, he won at Mende so I knew he had the legs,” he said after crossing the finish line.
Westra noted, “I was never as strong myself as this week and for me and the team it was a great week”.
Wiggins was targeting the overall classifications and started the final stage with a strong lead of 6 seconds over Westra.
Finishing further 2 seconds ahead of the Dutch during the final day in France has earned Wiggins not only the stage victory but also the overall lead at the second World Tour race of the season.
Team Sky cyclist finished the race with a commutative time of 28 hours, 12 minutes and 16 seconds.
Lieuwe fell 8 seconds short from tasting his first overall victory of the 2012 season.
Alejandro Valverde of Team Movistar grabbed the third overall spot after the final general classifications.
Team Vacansoleil-DCM achieved the first spot after the final team’s classifications.
Team Sky Procycling, Team Movistar, Team Katusha and Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step occupied the next four positions.
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