Stage three at Paris-Nice cancelled after snow

Officials neutralised the peloton with 70 kilometres remaining of the 165.5km trek from Cusset to Mont Brouilly – initially with the intention of restarting the race.

However, after deliberations, race organisers announced the stage had been cancelled.

"The race jury and direction decided to cancel today's third stage because of the weather conditions," read a statement. "The times will not be taken into account but the points scored at the first intermediate sprint of the day and on the climbs completed so far will count."

"The road was extremely slippery and the safety was no longer guaranteed. We are sorry. That's Paris-Nice. We promise we'll come back to Mont-Brouilly. It's a pity but the riders will start again tomorrow from Julienas."

Michael Matthews remains the overall leader after his triumph on stage two.