The 83rd edition of the Paris-Nice race, often referred to as the "Race to the Sun," kicks off on Sunday, March 9, 2025, heralding the beginning of the cycling season with its challenging route and renowned competitors. Starting from the municipality of Perray-en-Yvelines, the event features notable cyclists including Julian Alaphilippe, riding for the Swiss team Tudor, and Danish star Jonas Vingegaard, who is favored to excel.
Riders will face the grueling first stage of 156.1 kilometers, which sets off at 11:40 am. It is expected to finish between 3:13 pm and 3:33 pm, depending on their pace. This stage will replicate sections of the Olympic road race route from August 2024, promising to test the riders’ skills and endurance. The elevated area known as the 'bosse des Mesnuls' will be ascended twice, with the second climb just nine kilometers before the finish line—an ideal setup for aggressive competitors seeking to break away from the pack.
The peloton, or main group of riders, is scheduled to pass by the famous 'côte des 17 tournants' around 1:15 pm, where fans can expect exhilarating displays of cycling skill and strategy.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Other competitors, like Matteo Jorgenson, Brandon McNulty, Joao Almeida, and Santiago Buitrago, will also be vying for victory as they navigate through eight stages of rugged terrain across southeastern France. Unique challenges, including climbs and time trials, will push riders to their limits, enhancing the competitive spirit of this prestigious event.
From March 9 to March 16, the Paris-Nice race will wind through various towns and villages, inevitably causing significant disruptions for local traffic and parking. Municipal authorities have advised residents and visitors to use alternate transport, encouraging walking and cycling to reduce congestion. Parking restrictions are scheduled to begin from Friday, March 7, at 10 am, lasting through to March 9, at 7 pm. Authorities have communicated, "The start of the race will impact traffic and parking," prompting local populations to prepare for these changes.
Throughout the week, cycling enthusiasts can look forward to intense stages. Day two, on March 10, will take participants from Montesson to Bellegarde over 183.9 kilometers. Following this, the team time trial on March 11 at the Circuit Nevers Magny-Cours will be pivotal as teams compete over 28.4 kilometers. Midweek, the race will see its first mountain arrival at La Loge des Gardes on March 12, featuring substantial elevation gains.
The competition will ramp up as the weeks progress and will challenge the riders with strenuous climbs, including the infamous ascension at Auron on March 15, bringing them to the brink as the race nears its conclusion.
Following the scenic route around Nice on the final day, March 16, concludes with several iconic climbs—col de la Porte, côte de Peille, col d’Èze, and col des Quatre Chemins—that will undoubtedly shape the final leaderboard.
The anticipation surrounding this year’s Paris-Nice is exhilarating not only for cyclists but also for local communities, as they prepare for the influx of visitors. Several events are planned, including free community activities around the starting area to engage families and cycling fans alike.
With all eyes on the competitors and the unique challenges they face, the Paris-Nice 2025 is set to deliver both thrilling competition and community spirit. From promising new talents like Jorgenson to seasoned veterans like Alaphilippe and Vingegaard, spectators can expect fierce rivalries and unexpected turnarounds as each stage brings new surprises.
The 2025 Paris-Nice race not only marks the beginning of significant cycling events on the UCI calendar but also showcases the determination and skill of athletes who embody the true spirit of endurance sports. Local organizations urge attendees to remain informed and adhere to traffic updates as the event approaches, ensuring both spectator safety and enjoyment throughout the week-long festivities.