First held in 1933 when it was won Alfons Schepers of Belgium, Paris-Nice is perhaps the most prestigious multi-stage race outside of the Grand Tours, and serves as a testing ground for those hoping to claim the famous Maillot Jaune of the Tour de France later in the year.
Last year’s event was won of course by Sky’s Bradley Wiggins, who then went on to conquer the Criterium Dauphine and the Tout, making history along the way in more ways than one.
This year many of the pro peloton’s big hitters have opted either to train rather than race or to attend Tirreno-Adriatico in Italy, but there should still be plenty of high-level action on display.
Today see the opening prologue, a 2.9 km jaunt around the town center of Houilles, to get us started.
Team Sky’s Richie Porte will be looking to get his race off to a good start with a decent ride here, though such a short course will suit a punchier rider, or even a sprinter.
Lars Bak of Lotto-Belisol might be one to watch, and the crowd will be cheering on the evergreen Jens Voight (Radioshack-Leopard). Brent Bookwalter (BMC) could also be dangerous.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Thank you for joining us for the prologue of the 2013 Paris-Nice. We will be back tomorrow with another live blog, be sure to join us for Stage 1!
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Gaudin of Europcar will start in the leader's jersey tomorrow, with Chavanel and Westra one second behind. All the favorites came in safe, apart from Monfort (though he was an outside chance).
Lee Rodgers
Expert
3.46 from Porte. A good solid ride.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Richie Porte only on the road now
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Westra looks fast. Rocking though. He sprints to the end, manages 3.38! 3rd!
Lee Rodgers
Expert
All riders out now. Rui Costa comes in (Movistar) in 3.43.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Gesink, a potential winner here, comes in really hard. Still only manages 3.43, but good ride.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Richie's up!!!!
Lee Rodgers
Expert
2 riders left, out now is Westra (VCD).
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Kloden outside the lead. 3.50, Gaudin;s time looking good.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
LAmpre's kit has somehow become even worse than last year's! Good effort that!
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Scarponi at 3.50.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Kloden is a TT specialist. Let's see what he can pull out of the bag.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Gerrans finishes safe but down on the leaders. 3.46.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Kloden rolls out... Scarponi of Lampre on the course ahead/.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Van GArderen in 10 seconds down on Gaudin, 3.37, new leader, of Europcar!
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Peraud, 3.45, not bad for a climber.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Tejay's going for it, he wants the overall here.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Peraud showing some fine cornering here, very smooth.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
Tejay Van Garderen is off! Lot expected from the BMC rider this season, not least by himself...