The Dutchman Olav Kooij (Visma Lease a Bike) has been in charge of taking the yellow jersey for the 82nd edition of the Paris Nice after winning the sprint in the first stage held starting and finishing in Les Mureaux, 157.7 km.

Kooij (Numansdorp, 22 years old), won the speed challenge against the Dane Mads Pedersen (Lidl TRek), in a long sprint, contested with both arms, which gave victory to the young Dutchman with a time of 3h.36.28, one average of 43.7 km/hour. Third place went to Groupama’s New Zealander Laurende Phitie. The first Spaniard was classified in 13th place, Jon Barrenetxea, from Movistar.

An undulating course to begin with, with 4 elevations, without much respite, no gift in principle for the sprinters, since even the end awaited a slight climb. A busy debut with a breakaway by three riders who soon challenged the peloton: Stefan Bisseger and Jonas Rutsch (EF Education) and Mathieu Burgaudeau (Total Energies).

The platoon did not despair, but neither did it let go of the reins of the chase, as it allowed a maximum advantage of 3 minutes that was reduced as the rebels approached the final circuit, which had to be turned 2 times around Les Mureaux , a town in the Yvelines department where space rocket accessories and parts are manufactured.

The adventure was sentenced to 100 km from the finish line, with just 1 minute left. However, the Swiss time trial champion Stefan Bisseger attempted to take off, with no option to abandon his adventure companions. That effort even cost him being dropped shortly after when he began the ascent to the Cota de Bazemont (1.8 km at 6.5 percent).

The climb ended with the illusion of the leading trio 39 from the finish line, when the attempts began…..one of them with illustrious figures such as Evenepoel, Jorgenson and Egan Bernal who did not make it to takeoff, moments before the ascent to the Cota d ‘Herbeville (2.6km at 5%), 16 from the finish line.

A movement that put some sprinters in trouble, who lost contact with the main group. On the way up another high-quality arreón with Evenepoel in first person. The blow of the former world champion on the road spurred Roglic, who got on the wheel, as did Bernal, ready to show that he has returned to his best level.

These movements broke the large group into several sectors. The nerves began, no team was able to impose order, disorder reigned with the finish line less than 10 km away. A stoppage allowed the Frenchman Turgis to take off, who opened a gap of 15 seconds. The Frenchman was being chased by about 25 runners who had gathered after the storm of attacks.

The die was cast despite the slight final climb. Turgos gave up 1.5 km from the last line. Kooij’s Visma and Pedersen’s Lidl let go of their cards and both sprinters were face to face on the finish line. Pedersen, in a favorable ending, launched the final attack, but the Dutch boy reacted immediately.

An explosion that led Kooij to his third victory of the season, as he won the Clásica de Almería and a stage of the UAE Tour. Number 31 of his professional career. In the general classification Kooij leads Pedersen and the American Matteo Jorgenson from Visma by 4 seconds. This Monday, the week opens with the second stage between Thiory and Montargis, with a route of 177.6 km that offers another option for a sprint finish.