Tim Merlier remains our highest-ranked rider in the general classification.
A lovely historic town lying just 35 kilometers from France’s capital, known for its scenic forest and superb château, Fontainebleau returned on the Paris-Nice route after almost six decades, this time hosting its first-ever finish at the prestigious race.
The day began with Tim Merlier in yellow, which he donned following his crushing opening day victory, and continued with Soudal Quick-Step at the front of the peloton for the entire stage. Tim Declercq was again a man on a mission as he kept an eye on the gap of the breakaway for more than 120 kilometers before eventually bringing it back with more than one hour left on the clock.
Before the flamme rouge, Florian Sénéchal his appearance with Tim Merlier tucked on his wheel, prepared to launch the Belgian, but a roundabout at 500 meters to go split the peloton and completely changed the dynamic of the sprint, which turned out to be very hectic, with every man for himself. Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) won the stage, while Tim – despite finishing outside the top 10 – remained on the overall podium of the race ahead of the team time trial.
Photo credit: ©Alex Broadway / Getty Images
Tim Merlier 
