Ewen Costiou and Quentin Pacher try their luck

# Ewen Costiou and Quentin Pacher Rev Up the Excitement in Paris–Nice Opener

In the opening stage of Paris–Nice, marked by a slow start, the Groupama-FDJ United team injected some much-needed excitement with a series of aggressive attacks from Ewen Costiou and Quentin Pacher. Despite their efforts, a predominantly intact peloton seized control, leading to a dramatic near-full bunch sprint at the finish line. Costiou, Pacher, along with teammates Rudy Molard and David Gaudu, managed to cross the line simultaneously with the stage winner, staying clear of the chaos that ensued amid the closing kilometer.

The stage spanned just over 170 kilometers, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the so-called “Race to the Sun.” With the double ascent of the Côte de Chanteloup-les-Vignes (1.1 km at an 8.3% gradient) looming in the final thirty-five kilometers, the potential for excitement was palpable. Fortunately for the sprinters, teams worked diligently to keep a breakaway group of six riders from building a significant lead early in the race. Cautious riding from the peloton ensured that the maximum advantage for the escapees never exceeded two minutes.

As the race approached the initial climb of Chanteloup-les-Vignes, the peloton surged forward, closing the gap to just 40 seconds by the second ascent. It was here that Ewen Costiou made his mark, initiating a spirited contest that soon drew in other favorites. Quentin Pacher joined in, breaking away momentarily as the peloton scrambled to regroup.

“We were in the fight at the key moment,” remarked William Green, reflecting on the team’s efforts. He expressed optimism about Costiou’s and Pacher’s performances, especially given the high tempo of the day. “When you see the legs of Ewen and Quentin on the final climb, it’s really positive.”

As the race neared its conclusion, the breakaway was ultimately reeled in, culminating in a sprint marred by two crashes. Thankfully, the Groupama-FDJ United riders—David Gaudu, Ewen Costiou, Quentin Pacher, and Rudy Molard—navigated the turmoil without incident. “The day could have been worse,” acknowledged William, highlighting the importance of cohesion in such races. “We just could have ridden a bit more together because in races like this, you can lose a lot really fast because of the nervousness.”

Despite the challenges, the quartet crossed the finish line in the same time as stage victor Luke Lamperti. As the team looks ahead, Monday promises a potentially more favorable stage featuring a bunch sprint. “Clément has recovered well from the opening weekend in Belgium,” William concluded optimistically. “It will be a nice opportunity for him.”