Australia’s Michael Matthews produced a superb display to clinch the 6.1km prologue on the opening day of the 2016 Paris-Nice. The Orica-GreenEdge
Australia’s Michael Matthews produced a superb display to clinch the 6.1km prologue on the opening day of the 2016 Paris-Nice.
The Orica-GreenEdge rider, competing in his first race this season, proved unstoppable as he completed the relatively flat course in a winning time of 7 minutes and 39 seconds.
Time trial specialist Tom Dumoulin, who was tipped to take the yellow jersey ahead of day two had to settle for second place with New Zealand champion Patrick Bevin completing the podium.
Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas opened up a nine-second lead over 2010 champion Alberto Contador while Romain Bardet endured a frustrating day as he finished 25 seconds adrift.