Vlasov wins in training area and on 'lucky mountain': "That makes it extra special"

Aleksandr Vlasov has followed in the footsteps of his compatriot and former cyclist Ilnur Zakarin by triumphing on Madone d'Utelle. The rider from BORA-hansgrohe outsmarted the other favorites with a well-timed attack in the seventh stage of Paris-Nice.

"I am very happy to win here. It is a WorldTour race, one of the most important of the year. This is also my training area, I know the roads. That makes it extra special," said a satisfied Vlasov in the flash interview.

The last time a finish was held on Madone d'Utelle, Zakarin, a compatriot of Vlasov, won. "Yes, I know he won in 2016. It's funny, it's our lucky mountain," Vlasov laughs.

Vlasov: "It was a very tricky stage"

With Primoz Roglic ahead of him, Vlasov had his team leader up front, but he didn't have to fully support the Slovenian. "I was a bit further down in the GC, so I saw opportunities. We wanted to wait for the climb. Either we would sprint with Primoz, or I would react to attacks. In the end, I saw my chance and went for it."

The riders were plagued by harsh weather conditions along the way. "It was wet and cold. In the final kilometers, my arms felt very cold. Fortunately, I had dressed well, so I could withstand the cold well. It was a very tricky stage."